The Diversity Working Group was formed in 2019 to create an intellectual, professional and social safe space and network for like-minded BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) and ally students and alumni of the Faculty of Information. We are also working to provide an alternative avenue through which iSchool students can engage in discussion about how colonialism and Eurocentric biases have shaped professional practices and the workforce in the GLAM (gallery, library, archives and museum) professions. Furthermore, we strive to eventually affect changes within the iSchool curriculum in order to ensure that all future graduates from the iSchool will be aware of and ready to identify racial inequity within their professions.
During the 2019-2020 academic year we hosted the following BIPOC-centered events:
- September 16: Public Talk: In Conversation with Jarrett Drake
- October 16: BIPOC Social Gathering
- November 14: DWG Reading Group #1
- December 10: BIPOC Working Session
- January 20: DWG Reading Group #2
- February 7: DWG Dance Party
- March 5: SyllaBye: A Syllabus Deconstruct-a-Thon
In order to ensure that BIPOC spaces are nurtured and that critical discussions about race and racism within the iSchool and the professional field continue into the next academic year, we need representatives who are current students (BI, MI, MMst, or PhD). The current DWG is run by a core committee of members responsible for planning events and the overall direction of the group, as well as acting as liaisons between the DWG and their respective concentrations.
If you are interested in joining, please fill out this survey or get in touch with us at thediversityworkinggroup@gmail.com and we would be happy to discuss details about level of involvement/capacity, etc.
We invite you to join our next virtual DWG meeting being held Wednesday, June 3 from 7 – 8 pm. If you’d like to attend the meeting, either indicate that in your survey response or email us so that we can forward you the meeting link. If you also know anyone else who might be interested in getting involved with us, please let us know.
