To our Inclusive UBC community,
As we monitor and respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation, UBC’s Equity & Inclusion Office’s commitment to our colleagues and the diverse UBC community that we serve remains our highest priority.
In determining the most socially responsible and preventative action to COVID-19, our office in Brock Hall is currently closed to the public. We are positioned to ensure systems are in place to offer continuity of service to our communities and to meet any emergent needs.
In line with UBC and provincial health authority guidelines, we are taking the following precautions and shifting and adapting the way we are delivering our in-person services:
Human Rights Advising
Our human rights advising services remain available to UBC students, staff and faculty. Services will be provided via email, telephone consultation or other virtual system as appropriate. Should you have any concerns of discrimination (Policy SC7), please contact our human rights advisors.
Office Resources and Consultation Services
As our office is closed, should you have an inquiry about any of our resources or consultation services, please submit a consultation service request. We will work to address your needs remotely as best as we can.
Community Engagement Events
The in-person delivery of our many upcoming events has been cancelled, and we are exploring options for online delivery wherever possible. Updated details on any changes will be emailed to all registered participants and a notice posted on our event pages.
Cultivate your understanding around health equity
Pandemics can affect those most vulnerable in disproportionate and particular ways. We bring your attention to the impact of COVID-19 on diverse populations including Indigenous communities; members of lower socio-economic groups; those who are historically, systemically, and persistently marginalized; and those who are otherwise vulnerable.
COVID and human rights principles for Canada, Amnesty International Canada (English branch)
COVID-19 - Racial Equity and Social Justice Resources, Racial Equity Tools
- In an era of isolation, it’s essential we maintain social connections with our most vulnerable, The Globe and Mail, March 18, 2020
- Indigenous communities are vulnerable in times of pandemic. We must not ignore them, The Globe and Mail, March 17, 2020
- How the pandemic is highlighting Canada’s class divide, The Globe and Mail, March 17, 2020
- We need to urgently consider equity in our coronavirus response, The Star, March 16, 2020
- As coronavirus spreads, housekeepers in L.A. declare staying home ‘a luxury’, LA Times, March 15, 2020
- As coronavirus deepens inequality, inequality worsens its spread, The New York Times, March 15, 2020
- Who gets forgotten in a pandemic, The Nation, March 13, 2020
Keeping the Distance but Staying United in the Fight against Racism
Aligned with UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 and our mission to foster the conditions for an inclusive UBC, we urge you to consider what you can do to fight racism and prevent stigmatization and discrimination.
Reports of social stigmatization and discrimination based on one’s ethnic or racial background, or to potential exposure to the disease have been noted globally. Stigma, associated most often with fear or anxiety, may occur when people associate a disease with a specific population – including minority groups – without evidence that a risk is greater in that group than in the general population.
Stigma can lead to social avoidance, rejection, isolation, denial of services, and even violence – it hurts people instead of the disease and can affect one’s mental well-being. By choosing your words carefully, being knowledgeable, sharing facts and accurate information, and challenging myths and stereotypes, we can all help fight stigma around CO (corona) VI (virus) D (disease) -19 (2019).
Explore stories and resources to fight racism and stigmatization.
Access resources on Inclusive Teaching and Remote Working
- Creating an Inclusive Environment for Remote Employees, Cook Ross
- Inclusive Teaching @ UBC, UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology
- Telecommuting at UBC, UBC Human Resources
- Working Remotely Ergonomics, UBC Human Resources
- A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers. Harvard Business Review
- 16 Secrets of Engaging Remote Meetings, Miro Blog
- Best Practices for Virtual Participation in Meetings: Experiences from Synthesis Centers, ESA
- 5 Ways to Ensure Remote Employees Feel Part of the Team, Entrepreneur
- 20 Tips for Facilitating Virtual and Blended Meetings, The Grove
- Facilitating Consensus in Virtual Meetings, Seeds of Change
- Virtual team meetings: An analysis of communication and context, ScienceDirect