These committees are supported by the RDI department.
Accessibility
In accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act, BCIT has established an Accessibility Steering Committee and related working groups. See the Accessible British Columbia Act FAQ’s for more information about the Act and Regulations.
The purpose of these committees is to assist the Institute in identifying barriers to participation and advising on how to remove and prevent such barriers in our community through the development of an Accessibility Plan. The BCIT community will have an opportunity to contribute to a more accessible and inclusive environment for staff, faculty, and students at BCIT.
Guiding objectives for the committee are:
- Access: Persons should have barrier-free access to places, events, and other functions that are generally available in the community;
- Equality: Persons should have barrier-free access to those things that will give them equality of opportunity and outcome;
- Universal design: Access should be provided in a manner that does not establish or perpetuate differences based on a person’s disability; and
- Systemic responsibility: the responsibility to prevent and remove barriers rests with the person or organization that is responsible for establishing or perpetuating the barrier.
The Committee will be co-chaired by the Associate Vice President of Academic Operations and the Director of the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion (RDI) Office, and will report directly to the President. Care has been taken to ensure the Committee is reflective of the BCIT community and the diversity of persons in British Columbia. At least half of the members will be either persons with disabilities or individuals who support person with disabilities.
Read more about BCIT’s commitment to addressing systemic barriers and the funding received by the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion department from Canada Research Chairs program to assist with this.
PURPOSE AND MANDATE
Purpose/Mandate: The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (“Committee”) of British Columbia Institute of Technology (“BCIT”) is established to act as the main discussion and advisory body of BCIT in relation to issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion (i.e., its “Mandate”). Equity, diversity, and inclusion are concepts explained by actions intended to ensure that the BCIT community (including its students, staff, faculty, and leadership) is reflective of society served, including with regard to women, Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit), 2S/LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and members of racialized communities, including refugee and immigrant groups as well as others.
Rationale for Committee Formation:
BCIT seeks to maintain and further incorporate concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion into its learning and working environments to better reflect society served, thereby improving upon education, employment and service.
Clarification of Jurisdiction:
This Committee is intended to complement other BCIT resources and efforts aimed at addressing matters related to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to foster collaboration on equity, diversity, and inclusion within BCIT. This Committee is not intended to act as a substitute, duplicate, or alternate forum to address issues over which other areas of BCIT have specific jurisdiction and mandates. For example, issues coming within the Harassment & Discrimination policy are intended to be addressed by the RDI Office.
Statements Regarding the Special Status Held by Indigenous Peoples:
This Committee respects the special status held by Indigenous peoples. This Committee respects the BCIT Indigenous Vision.
BCIT is made up of diverse people working towards a more inclusive community. We welcome everyone to participate and share their voice.
BCIT’s Pride committee is committed to ensuring that everyone at BCIT feels they belong and have an equal voice and space. We are currently conducting a washroom audit to ensure that there is accessibility for everyone. BCIT has made it a priority that all new buildings, and those facing renovations, include accessible washrooms for everyone.
The Student group is always looking for people to help grow their voice within the community. They look for support from like minded people, not just the staff that have made it part of their commitment to BCIT to ensure that the support for 2S/LGBTQIA+ continues, but individuals who are either part of the community or Allies.
About 13 years ago recognition of Pink Shirt Day (Anti-bullying) started at BCIT. From it’s humble beginnings of only being celebrated in a few departments it is now celebrated across all of our campuses.
2024 events included:
- Pink Shirt Day Group Photo – for ALL staff and students in the Health Sciences building (NW04) on the social stairs on February 28, at 11:30 AM
- BCIT Libraries – Kindness Wall, and Button Making on the main floor in Burnaby
- Diversity Circles – Body Inclusivity & Anti-Fat Bias February 27, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
- Recreation Services – Social Media
- BCITSA – The Link Magazine will be releasing an article in their Spring issue regarding Anti-bullying/Pink shirt day. As well as a kindness wall in the Great Hall for the week of February 26th.
- Student Life – Information about Pink Shirt Day in the Student Newsletter
- MarComm – Various forms of Social Media
- RDI – Navigating Conflict February 27, 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
Since 1858, Black communities and people of African descent have been an integral part of this province, and they continue to shape the cultural, economic, political, and social successes that we enjoy today.
The term ‘Black excellence’ was born out of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. While there is a long history of outstanding Black British Columbians, from political figures such as Emery Barnes and Rosemary Brown to cultural icons such as Eleanor Collins and Harry Jerome, today is a day to recognize those who are inspiring us all. From writers, scientists, business leaders, athletes, and teachers to everyday people, the contributions of Black Canadians have made – and continue to make – a positive difference.
At the same time, we recognize that the Black community continues to face disproportionate barriers as a result of systemic racism and discrimination. Equity and anti-racism work are foundational to all our efforts to build a truly inclusive community.
This important initiative speaks to our dedication in supporting recommendations from our Anti-racism Framework released in April 2021. We will continue to work towards a more equitable, respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment at BCIT.
On January 15, 2024, The Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion (RDI) Office along with Diversity Circles invited four speakers, Orrett Morgan, Judy Phipps, William Oching, and Erin Reddick to share their experiences and stories about what Black Excellence means to them.
The contributions of this community have made – and continue to make – a positive difference. At the same time, we recognize that the Black community continues to face disproportionate barriers, as a result of systemic racism and discrimination. Equity and anti-racism work are foundational to all our efforts to build a genuinely inclusive community.
Education is one of the most powerful tools to achieve racial equity and equality. By learning to identify language, acts of racism and oppression as well as understand diverse cultural histories and experiences, we can better address discrimination in our communities.