DLSPH is dedicated to addressing issues of structural bias and racism that historically have created barriers to hiring racialized faculty members and postdoctoral researchers, particularly those who identify as Black and Indigenous. This has been a slow process, although progress has accelerated significantly in recent years.
In 1999, the Department of Public Health Sciences’ Task Force on Ethnoracial Diversity issued a report which for the first time quantified the lack of racialized faculty members, staff and students (just 10 percent of faculty were identified as visible minorities at that time). The task force called for measures to increase these numbers commensurate with the diversity of the Greater Toronto Area.
In 2015, due to the vision of supporter Dr. Michael Dan, the School established the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute of Indigenous Health.
In 2021, Asst. Prof. Akwatu Khenti was named Senior Advisor to the Dean on Equity and Inclusion, a faculty position created to make recommendations and develop course work and other materials to advance equity and inclusion in our community. Learn more about Asst. Prof. Khenti and his work at DLSPH, including developing U of T’s first course on Black mental health.
In 2021, DLSPH created the positions of Black Health Lead, Indigenous Health Lead and 2SLGBTQ+ Health Lead. These positions were created to embed equity and anti-racism throughout the curriculum and to advance research and education in Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ health.
Asst. Prof. Roberta Timothy was named Black Health Lead. Learn more about Asst. Prof. Timothy and her goals for this position, including her current work in developing Canada’s first MPH in Black Health.
Asst. Prof. Angela Mashford-Pringle was named Indigenous Health Lead. Learn more about Asst. Prof. Mashford-Pringle, which includes her current work to help create a postdoctoral research program in Indigenous health.
Assoc. Prof. Daniel Grace was named 2SLGTBQ+ Health Lead. Learn more about Assoc. Prof Grace, including his mixed-methods program of community-engaged research to advance the social, mental, physical, and sexual health of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
A Women’s Health Lead position will be posted next.
In 2021, DLSPH hired Ryan Hinds as the School’s first Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, a staff role created to develop and implement a cohesive strategy aimed at advancing equity across the DLSPH in partnership with the Health Leads, faculty, staff and students. Learn more about this IHPME alumnus and his plans and activities to improve the experience for racialized students at our School.
In recent years, we have increased our numbers of faculty members and postdoctoral fellows who identify as Black and Indigenous, and we have focussed on recruiting faculty members and postdoctoral fellows with expertise in equity issues around public health and health systems. We have much work ahead in establishing a faculty and student body that reflects the population it serves, and in strengthening our research capacity in equity issues. But we are committed to redressing these historical deficiencies. We are ensuring learning and working spaces are fully safe for all persons and identities.
Read the Report of the Department of Public Health Sciences Task Force on Ethnoracial Diversity – August 5, 1999
Read the Department of Public Health Sciences Task Force on Ethnoracial Diversity – August 5, 1999After engaging with some students, faculty and staff, a need for change in some specific areas surfaced. Underpinned by a commitment to transparency and accountability, the EDI Office will support DLSPH in the work of changing critical areas. Learn more about these priorities.