Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization
We are committed to pursuing meaningful change as we work together to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDID) at Western Law through the initiatives outlined below. Our EDID initiatives are guided by the recommendations of Western Law’s Anti-Racism Working Group, the President’s Anti-Racism Working Group and Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan.
We recognize the longstanding lack of diversity within the legal profession and are working to ensure our future graduating classes better reflect the society they will serve. We acknowledge the persistent structural biases in Canada’s justice system. We encourage our students to appreciate diverse perspectives and identify ways that EDID can be advanced in the law and legal institutions.
Reducing Barriers to Access
We are committed to reducing admissions barriers for students from equity-deserving communities. Our admissions process considers both academic achievement and our candidates’ life experiences including the impact of cultural, socio-economic, medical or physical barriers, or learning disabilities.
Thanks to the support of our generous alumni and other donors, Western Law offers a variety of financial aid opportunities for students from equity-deserving groups including awards, scholarships, bursaries and work study. We also offer a complimentary LSAT preparation course for Black, Indigenous, and low-income students, financial packages to support Black students’ law school applications, and subsidies for admitted Indigenous students who attend the Indigenous Law Centre at the University of Saskatchewan the summer before first-year law. Learn more about financial aid opportunities for prospective Black law students and prospective Indigenous law students.
Academics
We believe it is important for legal education to expose students to different perspectives, to enhance cultural competency, and to encourage students to consider legal and ethical issues through an EDID lens.
Our JD curriculum allows students to explore themes of anti-racism, gender equality and social justice, including a compulsory course on Indigenous peoples and the law, as well as electives in areas such as human rights, gender-based violence, law and poverty, hate speech in Canada and racial profiling. We encourage professors to explore these themes across the JD curriculum.
Research
Legal scholarship plays an important role in identifying injustice and developing solutions to emerging and systemic problems in Canada and around the world. Our faculty and students engage in a range of academic and applied research connected to diversity, equity, inclusion and decolonization, including: human rights law, racial profiling in policing, Indigenous Law, gender-based violence, tort law and social equality, food insecurity, legal issues impacting transgender communities, sex discrimination, international criminal law and access to justice.
Anti-Racism Working Group
Western Law’s Anti-Racism Working Group (ARWG), composed of JD and graduate law students, faculty, staff and an alumnus, was established in 2020 to develop short- and longer-term strategies to address diversity in student and faculty recruitment, curriculum options and student supports.
In November 2022, we shared the final report of the ARWG containing recommendations to help make Western Law a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming learning community. We are committed to implementing these important recommendations, which build on our existing equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization initiatives. We will continue to share our progress on this ongoing journey.
Indigenous Initiatives
Western Law is committed to implementing Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan and responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We are working with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives to increase the enrolment of Indigenous students in our programs and to educate all students about Indigenous law and governance, and about their responsibility to advance reconciliation. Our courses provide insight into the historical and contemporary legal issues affecting Indigenous communities to help students to become culturally sensitive legal practitioners. Learn more about our Indigenous Initiatives here.
Student Life
Western Law’s Student Legal Society oversees more than 50 clubs for our student body, including many that aim to celebrate diverse racial, cultural, ethnic, and sexuality and gender groups within our community. Western Law is a proud supporter of the Student Legal Society’s Diversity Month programming. Learn more about Western Law’s student-run clubs here.
Our Class Profile
Increasing our class diversity is a priority for us. You can read about the diversity of our incoming class here.
Resources and Support
Human Rights Office — The Western Human Rights Office (HRO) provides advice and support to all members of Western's campus community: students, staff, faculty and leaders. Contact the HRO to report human rights-based harassment and discrimination or concerns related to personal or workplace harassment.
Western Law Mental Health and Wellness Services — A legal education at Western Law encompasses more than attending lectures and studying for exams. It includes a healthy lifestyle to keep the mind, body, and emotions in balance; we call this balance "wellness." Western Law has a dedicated, embedded counsellor and therapist to help students develop adaptive strategies to maximize their wellness and wellbeing during their time at Western and beyond.
Health & Wellness at Western — Physical and mental health services are available to all Western students through the Health and Wellness team.
Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — Western’s EDI office promotes, recognizes, celebrates and engages various voices around campus to create a more equitable, diverse and inclusionary Western Community. The EDI office offers events, training and online resources to support Western’s equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization goals.
Office of Indigenous Initiatives — The Office of Indigenous Initiatives plays a lead role in championing Indigenous strategic directions, building collaborative and community-engaged partnerships, and supporting campus partners in implementing Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan.
The Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Inclusive Language Guide - This guide from Western's Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion provides practical tools for using inclusive language in written and verbal communication, promoting inclusivity and respect for diverse identities, cultures, and experiences.
