EDI Resources

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The MSPS strives for our undergraduate community to be uplifting for students of all backgrounds, to provide safe learning and social environments, and to facilitate equitable access to student resources and opportunities.

In alignment with the values upheld by the McGill Department of Physics, you have a right to respect and inclusion in all your activities (courses, research experiences, social interactions, community engagement, etc).

This page is meant to answer these questions:

What does EDI even mean?
What are the main EDI-related resources available to McGill Physics students?
How can I get involved to promote EDI at McGill?

What is EDI?

These definitions are adapted from our department's Values Statement:

Equity refers to leveling the playing field by recognizing and addressing barriers to opportunities for all to thrive.

Informally, this means that we achieve fairness not by treating everyone the same way, but rather by acknowledging that everyone is not given the same head start and proactively correcting for this difference.

Diversity addresses differences in social group membership related, for example, to race, Indigenous identity, class, gender identity or expression, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, and religion.

Different groups have had different historical and contemporary experiences of oppression and exclusion, which makes it necessary to recognize and respond to systemic and institutionalized discrimination.

Inclusion refers to the notion of feeling like you belong in a community that respects and values you, and in which you can engage and succeed.

Inclusion requires recognizing, reducing, and removing barriers to participation created by social disadvantage or oppression.

EDI Resources for McGill Students

The MSPS EDI Coordinator

My official role description is:

- Ensuring that our undergraduate (physical and online) spaces are safe for all, and that MSPS presents itself as an equitable and inclusive organization.
- Promoting inclusivity and sustainability in MSPS events.
- Maintaining a list of university and departmental resources for students
- Receiving grievances, anonymous or otherwise, concerning EDI issues and responding accordingly.
- Coordinating a few EDI-related events per year.

Here are some examples of perfectly valid reasons to contact me:

You have a request or suggestion to make our undergraduate spaces or events more safe/inclusive/accessible.
You have an unmet need and don't know where to find the relevant resources.
You would like to report an EDI-related issue, anonymously or not.
- - You are welcome to share an issue anonymously even if you do not want to make an official complaint.
  - No issue is too small or insignificant to be reported.
  - You are welcome to report an issue even if you are not 100% sure that it is related to EDI.
You are struggling to maintain your wellbeing and want to learn about the resources available to you, or to chat with a fellow student.
I am not a mental health counselor and will direct you to appropriate resources whenever necessary. But if you want advice from a fellow student's perspective or just want to chat, I'm all ears!
Many more valid reasons! I will do my very best to help.

Menstrual Products

There is a basket in the women's bathroom on the Rutherford ground floor which is filled with menstrual pads every morning.

McGill Physics EDI Committee

Here are some examples of resources coordinated by our department's active EDI Committee:

- Equity library: You can borrow books to learn about equity issues (in science and in society more generally) in front of the elevators on the second floor of the Rutherford building.
- Events: A few events (both social events and EDI-themed events) are organized every year. Read your emails to stay informed!

Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women* in Physics

This conference targets all under-represented groups in Physics and is an excellent opportunity to network, present your research (if applicable), and learn about EDI issues in the Physics community. Follow the conference's Instagram account to receive all the information!

Getting involved

Many Physics students are sensitive to EDI issues and motivated to contribute, but the points of entry to get involved are not always obvious.

Here are a few opportunities to consider, which are spread throughout the year:

Become the next MSPS EDI Coordinator.

Elections happen around March for the following academic year. Read your emails!

Science Undergraduate Society.

SUS appointed positions, many of which are related to EDIA, open twice a year (September and April).

Attend events.

The Physics EDI Committee organizes several events per year, and their success relies on the members of our community who make time to participate

Participate in APIERY Discussions.

APIERY Discussions are a weekly discussion group facilitated by the Trottier Space Institute. You are welcome to attend regardless of your pre-existing knowledge or EDI experience!