On March 17, the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) announced the establishment and members of the Task Force on Race and Indigeneity.
“The purpose of the establishment of this task force is to encourage the KPE community to continue to reflect, examine, critique, and take action on race and Indigeneity as we work to realize our vision and values,” said Professor Ira Jacobs, dean of the Faculty.
The terms of reference will serve as the foundational document for the task force, which will focus on enhancing opportunity for Indigenous youth and other racial minorities. It will address key concerns, including academic curriculum and sport and recreation programming, hiring practices for faculty, staff and students, and allocation of resources.
The terms were developed by a subcommittee of the Faculty Council’s Equity Committee, and unanimously endorsed by the Council on Athletics and Recreation and the Faculty of KPE Faculty Council.
Assistant Professor Simon Darnell will co-chair the task force, and the other co-chair will be selected by ten task force members. These members were nominated by the Faculty Council’s Equity Committee and represent the Faculty’s curricular and co-curricular stakeholders.
The Faculty has a strong history of creating effective task forces, needs-based programs and curriculum development and, along with the broader U of T community, will continue its commitment to equity through this task force.
The task force will involve a consultation process within the University and with experts in anti-racism and Indigenous inclusion in higher education and sport and recreation.
The University of Toronto has also struck a steering committee, supported by several working groups, to address the recommendations resulting from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). As President Gertler stated, the TRC presents an opportunity for the University to demonstrate its engagement with society’s most important and pressing issues. “The Commission has issued a challenge of historic significance to the country. The U of T community is ready and eager to help meet that challenge.”
Contributors to the development of the Terms of Reference:
Gretchen Kerr, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs
Caroline Fusco, Associate Professor
Michelle Brownrigg, former Director of Physical Activity and Equity
Jen Leake, Acting Director of Physical Activity and Equity
Terry Gardiner, former Assistant Manager Co-Curricular Diversity and Equity