Equity & Inclusion Office Response to COVID-19

To our Inclusive UBC community,

As we monitor and respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation, UBC’s Equity & Inclusion Office’s commitment to our colleagues and the diverse UBC community that we serve remains our highest priority.

In determining the most socially responsible and preventative action to COVID-19, our office in Brock Hall is currently closed to the public. We are positioned to ensure systems are in place to offer continuity of service to our communities and to meet any emergent needs.

In line with UBC and provincial health authority guidelines, we are taking the following precautions and shifting and adapting the way we are delivering our in-person services:

Human Rights Advising

Our human rights advising services remain available to UBC students, staff and faculty. Services will be provided via email, telephone consultation or other virtual system as appropriate. Should you have any concerns of discrimination (Policy SC7), please contact our human rights advisors.

Office Resources and Consultation Services

As our office is closed, should you have an inquiry about any of our resources or consultation services, please submit a consultation service request. We will work to address your needs remotely as best as we can.

Community Engagement Events

The in-person delivery of our many upcoming events has been cancelled, and we are exploring options for online delivery wherever possible. Updated details on any changes will be emailed to all registered participants and a notice posted on our event pages.

Cultivate Your Understanding around Health Equity

Pandemics can affect those most vulnerable in disproportionate and particular ways. We bring your attention to the impact of COVID-19 on diverse populations including Indigenous communities; members of lower socio-economic groups; those who are historically, systemically, and persistently marginalized; and those who are otherwise vulnerable.

Keeping the Distance but Staying United in the Fight Against Racism

Aligned with UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 and our mission to foster the conditions for an inclusive UBC, we urge you to consider what you can do to fight racism and prevent stigmatization and discrimination.

As COVID-19 is spreading in Canada and globally, reports of anti-Asian racism have been noted in many places, potentially affecting UBC students, faculty, and staff in direct or indirect ways. Racist comments, harassment, or prejudice directed especially to members of Chinese and East Asian origin are caused by the unfounded belief that these people are virus carriers or they caused the pandemic. It is important to know that the virus does not discriminate—anyone can be infected anywhere. UBC condemns all forms of racism and stands firm in supporting each other to foster solidarity through this difficult time.

Stigma caused by racism can lead to social avoidance, rejection, isolation, denial of services, and even violence – it hurts people instead of the disease and can affect one’s mental well-being. By choosing your words carefully, being knowledgeable, sharing facts and accurate information, and challenging myths and stereotypes, we can all help fight stigma around CO (corona) VI (virus) D (disease) -19 (2019).

Explore stories and resources to fight racism and stigmatization.

Access Resources on Inclusive Teaching and Remote Working