Wilfrid Laurier University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The Diversity & Equity Office includes a number of centres which each focus on different traditionally marginalized groups; these centres include: Centre for Women & Trans People* (CWT) which strives to build a community of people and ideas that challenge and examine gender inequalities. The CWT provides a safe space where women and trans people* can feel safe and affirmed and offers an extensive collection of academic, community and informational resources and referral services, as well as opportunities to actively engage in awareness campaigns. (website – www.mylaurier.ca/womens-centre) Association of Black Students (ABS) emphasizes empowerment, solidarity and progress within the Laurier and KW community by encouraging people to become aware and involved with the movement of overcoming social and racially based inequalities. ABS encourages students to support and empower one another to be agents of change. (www.mylaurier.ca/abs) Burst your Bubble strives to create a welcoming community that supports Mental Health by challenging our members to acknowledge and respond to the reality of Mental Illness and the role that it plays in society. Our Goals include: increasing awareness regarding Mental Illness and its prevalence in society; redefining perceptions to break down the negative stigmas surrounding Mental Illness; and encouraging open dialogue and increase open-mindedness by promoting acceptance and discouraging judgment. (www.mylaurier.ca/diversity) Multi-Faith Resource Team, made up of the University Chaplains, assists students, staff and faculty in their efforts to research, discuss, and learn about ethical, theological and spiritual issues. The Resource Team is available to support people from all religious traditions. (www.mylaurier.ca/chaplains) Rainbow Centre is a safe and inclusive space that is available to all students, staff, faculty and visitors who want to learn more about the Queer Community. The Centre is open to Queer identified persons as well their allies and assists in providing awareness training, programming, and support to the Laurier Community. (www.mylaurier.ca/rainbow) In addition to these Centres, the Diversity & Equity Office also supports a number of student clubs that are made up of faith-conscious students. This includes the Muslim Student Association, Jewish Student Association, Ismaili Student Association, and Laurier4Palestine. Laurier’s Office of Aboriginal Initiatives and its Aboriginal Student Services are committed to ensuring Laurier offers an extraordinary and empowering experience for all Aboriginal students. The Office believes that education, in a welcoming environment, that honours Indigenous people, is the path for Aboriginal People to be all that they can be. The Office offers a safe space for students to connect with elders, practice traditional teaching and medicine and connect with one another and the broader Laurier community. (http://waterloo.mylaurier.ca/aboriginal) Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre (ALC) assists students with disabilities in reaching their full academic potential. By offering a variety of services and resources, delivered in a respectful, confidential and professional manner, the ALC supports and encourages students’ independence and self-determination. (http://waterloo.mylaurier.ca/accessible)

Programs to respond - Dawn Rickers, Senior Advisor, Dispute Resolution and Support as well as the Diversity & Equity Office both work with those who have experienced any incidents of discrimination.

www.wlu.ca/accessibility