Our Commitment

UNBC is proud to be a signatory to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education, which we signed in 2021. This commitment reflects our ongoing efforts to build an equitable, inclusive, and accessible academic environment.

By endorsing the Charter, UNBC joins over 40 institutions across Canada in recognizing the systemic barriers faced by Black students, faculty, and staff, and in taking meaningful action to address them.

What is the Scarborough Charter?

The Scarborough Charter is a national framework that guides post-secondary institutions in:

• Addressing anti-Black racism
• Advancing Black inclusion in academia
• Strengthening Black representation in leadership and decision-making
• Promoting Black flourishing through education and research

Guiding Principles of the Scarborough Charter

The Charter is built on four key principles that shape institutional action:

• Black Flourishing – Universities play a vital role in eliminating barriers to equity and fostering environments where Black students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
• Inclusive Excellence – True excellence in higher education is achieved through diversity, equity, and meaningful inclusion, which fuel innovation, critical thinking, and societal transformation.
• Mutuality – Post-secondary institutions are embedded in and accountable to the communities they serve. Strong relationships with Black communities contribute to economic development, knowledge sharing, and social change.
• Accountability – Institutions must move beyond symbolic commitments, taking measurable actions to ensure transformative inclusion and equity at all levels, from policies to leadership.

By signing the Charter, UNBC has committed to continuous improvement and transparent accountability in implementing these principles.

How UNBC is Taking Action?

Since signing the Charter in 2021, UNBC has been committed to:

• Integrating the Charter’s principles into institutional policies and practices
• Expanding initiatives that support Black students, faculty, and staff such as the Magnifying Black Voices Program
• Creating spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and research on Black inclusion
• Strengthening community partnerships to foster change beyond our campus