Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on Canadian Universities: Where do International Students Fit in?

Abstract

This article examines how international students are, or are not, included in the equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) activities at two of Canada’s largest English-speaking universities: the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. Our findings point to notable similarities: first, while international students at both institutions are celebrated for their contributions to campus diversity, there are also concerns over the increasing proportion of international students from China. Secondly, we find that understandings of EDI seem derived from legal definitions of discrimination. We argue that international students are largely overlooked in existing organizational structures for EDI, and definitions and initiatives related to EDI should better reflect encompassing definitions of inclusion and equity that take into account the needs and experiences of international students.