Sheila Cote-Meek is vice-president, equity, people and culture, at York University. Her column appears in every second issue.
Sheila Cote-Meek is vice-president, equity, people and culture, at York University. Her column appears in every second issue.
In order to disrupt ongoing gendered discrimination, it is critical that we expose it. This is not always easy.
It takes effort, but as you learn to become more comfortable having these difficult discussions, you become part of the solution.
To get to know an institution, you need to understand its people, place and culture.
Having early discussions about a role change with those close to you is important, so they can grow with your decision.
A new federal charter, with funds to match, will help institutions to identify systemic barriers.
It’s time to stop and rethink what a university should look like, and how education can remain relevant during times of rapid transition.
For lasting transformation to occur, these changes need to be embedded in our administrative and educational structures.
Through my work, I hope I am contributing in a small way to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
There are challenges of course. Inevitably negative messages quickly go viral and it can be difficult to respond.
Be prepared to stand up and speak out when you hear and see things that are inappropriate.
“As a leader, there will be times when you just have to take a leap of faith.”
