Education and Events

The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CSEDI) offers programs across the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, run by the centre as well as student-run services.

Events

Trans Awareness Week

From Nov. 13 to 19, Transgender Awareness Week raises awareness and visibility for transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit, gender-diverse people and those in solidarity take action through education and advocacy.

Laurier Flags Lowering

Nov. 20

Laurier will lower flags to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honors the memory of transgender and gender-diverse people killed in acts of transphobig violence.

Vigils

Nov. 21 | 9 to 11 a.m., Hawk's Nest (Waterloo) | 7 to 9 p.m., RCW Lobby (Brantford)

Join us to honour those lost to anti-trans violence and to dream of more just futures for Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people everywhere.

Diversity Art Series

The Diversity Art Series features art created by Laurier students, each of whom uses their creative pieces to investigate contemporary social justice issues and experiences of diverse students and allies. The exhibit is part of ongoing efforts to illuminate and archive the narratives of those impacted by systemic inequities.

The series is run in the Winter term and offers five unique pieces each accompanied by educational opportunities that engage the Laurier community in a dialogue about diversity and equity in unique ways.

Workshops

Diversity Certificate

The Diversity Certificate is a multi-module program that provides students an opportunity for creative engagement with challenging social justice topics. Topics change from year to year in order to ensure that the content speaks to current needs and interests. Six workshops are offered each year and participation in a minimum of four workshops allows for the certificate to be recognized on your Laurier Experience Record.

Conferences

E(Race)r

In light of the recent rise in demands made from racialized, and Indigenous students in North America, Laurier contributes to an annual summit that explores ways to hear, engage with, and address racialized students' concerns. Together, we work to develop intentional actions to stop racism on Canadian university campuses.

Learn more:

Beating the Odds

Beating the Odds is an all-day conference held on our Waterloo campus for high school students to boost their aspirations for achieving higher education. As a means of combating statistics suggesting that racialized students have a 70% drop-out rate in Waterloo Region, our members and community supporters bring professionals and other university students to Laurier to facilitate workshops and keynote presentations that create an atmosphere of empowerment and motivation.

In past years we have had workshops on; identity, business, leadership, next steps after high school and more. Our keynote speakers are professionals in their field and have a passion and/or relevant experience for inspiring young people. Workshops offered by racialized professionals and Laurier students benefit high school students by offering them valuable information that will help to propel them into a successful future.

Our annual conference, held each February, continues to grow as we register hundreds of students each year to attend.