University of Alberta Officially Removes EDI Language from Hiring Policy
The University of Alberta's board of governors has made a significant policy shift, formally approving a new hiring framework that eliminates explicit equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) terminology. This decision, ratified on Friday, marks a substantial departure from previous institutional commitments to specific diversity-focused language in employment practices.
New Core Values: Access, Community and Belonging
University President and Vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan announced that the institution will now prioritize three core principles identified through extensive community consultation: access, community and belonging. Flanagan emphasized that these concepts emerged as the university's fundamental aspirations during a comprehensive review process.
"The board made a decision really embracing access, community and belonging as core values at the University of Alberta," Flanagan stated during a Friday news conference in Edmonton.
AI Analysis Shapes Policy Direction
Remarkably, artificial intelligence played a crucial role in determining this new direction. Flanagan revealed that the university conducted broad consultations within its community, asking members to describe their ideal institution and identify the words that best represent their aspirations.
"We took all of those consultations and fed them into some remarkable AI machine that produces a word cloud, and three words came to the very top, and it was access community and belonging," Flanagan explained. "So those are words that are chosen by our community to reflect our aspirations as a university."
Addressing Barriers and Fostering Inclusion
Flanagan elaborated on the practical implications of these new priorities, particularly regarding the concept of access. "When we talk about access, we're really talking about reducing barriers to access to the university, whatever those barriers might be — systemic barriers, cultural barriers," he said.
The president acknowledged that significant obstacles still exist for students, faculty and staff seeking to engage with the university and achieve their academic and professional goals. He committed to conscious efforts to identify and dismantle these barriers while fostering an environment where all community members feel welcomed and supported.
Commitment to Diverse Community
Despite the removal of formal EDI language, Flanagan stressed the university's ongoing dedication to creating an inclusive environment. "What we're really committing ourselves to is creating a community where everyone is welcome, everyone feels supported," he affirmed.
Flanagan pointed to the visible diversity already present on campus, noting the international composition of students, faculty and staff. He described the university as "a big and complex community" where fostering belonging remains an ongoing process requiring continuous attention and improvement.
Response to External Pressure?
When questioned about whether provincial government influence prompted these policy changes, Flanagan redirected the conversation toward the community-driven nature of the decision. He emphasized that the new direction emerged from internal consultations analyzed through artificial intelligence, rather than external political pressures.
The president framed the shift as an evolution in institutional values, stating that "in moving to language around access, community and belonging, those are our core commitments." He characterized this transition as part of the natural development of a large, multifaceted academic institution continually striving to better serve its diverse constituency.
