Dear Faculty and Staff:

If you have not done so already, please read and then share the statement on the killing of George Floyd and Racial Justice from several of our Faculty of Science colleagues and other members of the African-Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster University. The Association’s statement has been posted on Daily News. 

After reading their powerful and important statement, please reflect on what we can do individually and collectively to further strengthen equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility within our Faculty of Science.

Diversity leads to better science. We see irrefutable proof of this fundamental truth within our research labs and classrooms and among our daily interactions with students and colleagues.

There is still work to be done in our Faculty of Science. The incredible diversity among our students is not yet fully reflected within the ranks of our faculty, staff, academic and administrative leadership. To that end, we will continue working closely and collaboratively with McMaster’s Equity & Inclusion Office to further enhance how we recruit, select, promote, retain, train and develop faculty and staff.

But diversity is not enough. It must be coupled with a deep commitment to inclusion and equity if we are to attend to the crisis we are facing in our institutions and communities. While many of us cannot ever truly understand the magnitude of the barriers, struggles and pain others experience, we can make sure that we are truly listening and amplifying their voices.

Racism – whether overt, subtle or silent – has absolutely no place in our Faculty of Science.  Racism cannot take root if we stand united in advancing, championing and defending equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all.

Diversity leads to better science and diversity flourishes when everyone’s fundamental human rights, integrity and dignity are respected. Thank you for your continuing efforts to make our Faculty of Science an inclusive community for all learners, educators and researchers.

Sincerely,

Maureen MacDonald