63
Signatory Institutions
10
Provinces
Featured Event
Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum
May 14–15, 2026
The 2026 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education will be co-hosted by Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, in partnership with the Scarborough Charter Secretariat, from May 14-15. This gathering will convene signatory institutions, scholars and community leaders in Ottawa to advance the Scarborough Charter’s commitments to sustained action, accountability and institutional transformation.
Our Foundation
Guiding Anti-Black Racism
and Black Inclusion
Signatories of the Scarborough Charter commit to redressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion in higher education. These four overarching principles guide the letter and spirit of all policy-making, governance, and action across our member institutions.
Black Flourishing
We work to enable human potential and thriving by addressing anti-Black racism, dismantling structural barriers, and advancing knowledge that upholds equity, human dignity, and sustainability.
Inclusive Excellence
Equitable inclusion is critical to excellence. True excellence is enriched by equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encompasses the ability to educate, innovate, engage across difference, and enable meaningful societal transformation.
Mutuality
Universities and colleges are embedded in communities. We recognize a responsibility to foster mutual, positive, and interactive relationships with Black communities, serving as anchor institutions and local employers supporting community economic development.
Accountability
We commit to continuous improvement through ongoing education and courageous, consultative action, moving beyond representation to support transformative inclusion and be accountable for concrete outcomes.
Our Achievements
Summary of Key Accomplishments
You can read the full details of these accomplishments in our 2023–2024 Progress Report.
Established Dedicated EDI Offices & Leadership Roles
Most member institutions now have offices and senior leaders focused on addressing racism, including targeted work on anti-Black racism.
Expanded Race-Based Data & Survey Initiatives
Institutions are collecting baseline data on Black faculty, staff, and students to better understand representation and gaps.
Growth in Black-Focused Research & Academic Programs
Members launched new Black-centered research hubs, studies, Research Chairs, and programs highlighting Black excellence.
Leadership Initiatives for Black Faculty and Staff
Increased support through funding, mentorship, curriculum development, and new leadership positions dedicated to Black inclusion.
Enhanced Supports for Black Students
Includes new bursaries, scholarships, mentorship programs, admissions pathways, and Black student success centres.
Establishment of the Scarborough Charter Secretariat
A dedicated Secretariat, including staffing, has been created to provide ongoing leadership, operational capacity, and long-term sustainability for Charter initiatives.
Strengthened Community Engagement
Institutions deepened partnerships with local communities and school boards to support Black learners and create broader pathways to post-secondary education.
Biennial Inter-Institutional Forum
A national gathering every two years for learning, dialogue, and collaboration on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion across Canadian higher education.
Growing Active Membership
Membership has grown from 40 signatories in 2021 to 59, and now stands at 62 members as at January 2026.
Foundational support from UTSC
The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) served as the launching pad for, and provided necessary resources to, the Scarborough Charter since its inception in 2021. Without this critical support, the Scarborough Charter would not be where it is today. The support staff at UTSC gave birth to, and sustained, this national initiative during a critical period of its existence.
Training, Events & Educational Programs
Widespread delivery of training on EDI, accessibility, anti-racism, and allyship, including partnerships with Indigenous-led initiatives.
Become a Partner
Together, we can create a more inclusive future in Canadian higher education.