Dr. Alana Butler began her role as the inaugural EDI Coordinator for the Faculty of Education on May 1. This role brings guidance and leadership to our students, faculty, and staff as we work to create an inclusive and supportive working, learning, and research community. Since she has been at Queen’s, Dr. Butler has brought her energy and innovative ideas as UCARE Co-Chair, the Senate Educational Equity Committee and other university-wide diversity initiatives. In 2020, she developed and led anti-racism workshops for the Toronto District School Board, The Council of Independent Schools, the Ontario Principal’s Council, and University of Toronto Schools.
She has a research focus on socio-economic inequality, equity, diversity and inclusion policies, and race, culture and gender studies in education. Guided by the recommendations made by Dr. Anita Jack-Davies in the Inclusion Project, the EDI Coordinator will work in tandem with the EDI Committee to meet the objectives set by Dr. Jack-Davies and create new recommendations as needed.
The EDI Coordinator:
- Provides leadership and guidance on EDI-related issues across the Faculty
- Provides one-on-one advice and guidance to Faculty of Education students navigating EDI-related issues at Queen’s (TCs, and graduate students in various roles, e.g. TA/GTF positions, RAs)
- Works with instructors on EDI infusion within courses, including developing resources and making referrals to other services and training at CTL, HREO, etc.
- Works with the Research Coordinator (Research Initiatives, Diversity & Inclusion) to support equitable research practices at the Faculty through workshops, training and one-on-one advice for faculty and students.
Both the Coordinator and the EDI Committee provide support to students, faculty, and staff. Individuals can contact Dr. Butler or EDI Committee co-chairs Dr. Claire Ahn or Becca Carnevale through direct email or the anonymous online form. The Committee is not equipped to respond to individual complaints regarding racism, assault, or specific incidents faced by individuals, but can make referrals to additional supports and resources, including the Human Rights and Equity Office and other services at Queen’s.