The Equity Myth Racialization and Indigeneity At Canadian Universities

The university is often regarded as a bastion of liberal democracy where equity and diversity are vigorously promoted. In reality, the university still excludes many people and is a site of racialization that is subtle, complex, and sophisticated. This book, the first comprehensive, data-based study of racialized and Indigenous faculty members’ experiences in Canadian universities, challenges the myth of equity in higher education. Drawing on a rich body of survey data, interviews, and analysis of universities’ stated policies, leading scholars scrutinize what universities have done and question the effectiveness of their employment equity programs. They also make important recommendations as to how universities can address racialization and fulfill the promise of equity in the academy.

Frances Henry, FRSC, is professor emerita of anthropology at York University. Enakshi Dua is director of the Graduate Program in Gender, Feminist and Women's Studies at York University. Carl James, FRSC, teaches in the Faculty of Education and in the Graduate Program in Sociology at York University. Audrey Kobayashi, FRSC, is professor of geography at Queen's University, Kingston. Peter Li, FRSC, is professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Saskatchewan. Howard Ramos is associate dean of research in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and a professor of sociology at Dalhousie University. Malinda S. Smith is professor of political science at the University of Alberta.