Hamilton,
15
August
2019
|
11:38 AM
America/New_York

Mohawk College formally signs charter on equity, diversity and inclusion

​Mohawk joins institutions across Canada in endorsing principles of the Dimensions Charter

Mohawk College announced today it has endorsed the Government of Canada’s Dimensions Charter, committing the college to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and research activity.

Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada is a program for postsecondary institutions developed to address systemic barriers, particularly those experienced by members of under-represented or disadvantaged groups, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+ communities.

“We are proud to sign the Dimensions Charter and join colleges across Canada in our commitment to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for our students and staff,” says Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie. “The Dimensions principles align closely with Mohawk College’s Strategic Plan, specifically our commitment to inclusion, Indigenous education, and student success. We look forward to enshrining these charter principles and practices in the organization and management of our research community at Mohawk.”

Institutions that endorse the Dimensions Charter commit to embed equity, diversity and inclusive principles in their policies, practices, action plans and culture.

“It is admirable that Mohawk College has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining a culture of inclusion by signing the Dimensions Charter,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, MP for Hamilton West, Ancaster, Dundas and Minister of Seniors. “I am inspired to see institutions across Canada, including Mohawk College, endorse the charter and work to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity, treatment and recognition in our colleges, universities, CEGEPs and polytechnics.”

Mohawk College has historically been committed to these ideals in all aspects of college life. The Mohawk College Strategic Plan, 2016-2021 establishes clear, specific expectations regarding access, equity and inclusion for all students. In 2011, the college established an Indigenous Education Council and signed the Indigenous Education Protocol in 2015. In addition, last year, Mohawk released its official Equity and Social Inclusion Commitments and announced Challenge 2025: an initiative to intensify college resources to address the ongoing issues of poverty, under-education and labour shortages in the Hamilton community.

The Dimensions pilot program is supported by the three federal research granting councils: the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).