Recent analysis reveals significant differences in how Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) manifests in Canadian higher education compared to the United States. While Canadian universities already see substantial representation of racialized students, the focus has shifted primarily to staff diversity and Indigenous inclusion. Unlike the US, Canadian institutions maintain firm EDI commitments through cluster hiring practices and workplace environment improvements, though budget constraints may affect dedicated EDI staff positions. The unique Indigenous reconciliation framework and established private sector diversity initiatives continue to shape Canada’s distinctive approach to academic EDI.
How Canada and the U.S. address EDI in higher education
