Equity Case Studies Report - School of Social Work - University of ...

UBC school of social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation of case studies 29
Equity Committee, Initiative, and Plan were established independently from the University of
Manitoba initiatives. Acknowledging that the work to achieve and sustain equity and inclusion
within universities is ongoing, the School’s plan is considered, “a ‘living document’ that is
reviewed and critically reflected upon on a regular basis.
Description of Educational Equity Initiatives
The Educational Equity Committee, which guides the Equity Initiative, is composed of
faculty members, community members, alumni, and students. Currently (2011), the composition
of the committee consists of five faculty members, several students (mostly MSW students, and
two PhD students), and three community members. Each member on the committee belongs to
one or more minoritized groups. The Educational Equity Committee is supposed to include staff
members; however, there are currently (as of May, 2012) none in the committee as no one has
stepped forth to join.
Funding for the initiative has been provided by the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of
Social Work, grants from Culture and Heritage Canada, and from Human Resources and
Development Government of Canada.
There is also an Indigenous Caucus made up of Indigenous faculty members. The
Indigenous Caucus and the Educational Equity Committee often work together. For example,
through joint efforts they have provided workshops on equity issues, as well as writing a joint
paper for program review.
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework behind the Equity Plan, Equity Initiative and the Educational
Equity Committee was originally based on liberal affirmative action principles. However, more