January 26th, 2021:

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Thank you for helping us bring attention to the need for anti-racism and EDI action at the Neuro over the last few months. Following the petition, through a faculty-led initiative, the Neuro is overseeing the formation of an EDI committee to assess the internal climate and implement changes moving forward. We are looking forward to seeing the committee's efforts, and wish to thank you again for your support in emphasizing the importance of anti-racism and EDI at the Neuro.

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Best,

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The Neuro EDI Petition Team

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November 6th, 2020:

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Thank you for the tremendous support for the Neuro Anti-Racism and EDI Petition. The strong response that the petition garnered within just a couple days of launching it (on October 20th) spoke to the significant importance within our Neuro community for having a respectful, supportive learning and work environment, where EDI is an active priority. 

 

On October 26th, the Neuro released a statement regarding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion acknowledging that “Racism and any form of prejudice and/or inequality in 2020 are unacceptable and go against the mission and values of any leading academic and healthcare institution”. The statement also described the efforts of McGill University and the MUHC, and committed to appointing an EDI officer to liaise between the Neuro and these two parent organizations. We are encouraged by the Neuro’s official acknowledgement of the importance of this issue. 

 

On November 4th, with over 280 signatures, we emailed this petition to the Neuro administration, emphasising the need for the Neuro to develop and implement its own EDI plan in consultation with the Neuro community. Our petition outlined a number of suggestions that can serve as critical starting points for effecting real change in creating safe and inclusive work environments for everyone. Our hope is that the Neuro will publicly release further details on (1) the appointment and role of the EDI officer mentioned in their statement and (2) timelines for creating and implementing an anti-racism and EDI plan of action. 

 

Currently, we are awaiting a response from the Neuro administration and will keep you posted on important developments! We are looking forward to seeing how the suggestions in the petition and further action will be adapted moving forward, to best reflect the Neuro’s spirit of transparency, accountability, and genuine commitment to sustainable change in the culture that permeates healthcare and science research. We look forward to your continued support in enacting these changes.

 

Thank you,

 

The Neuro EDI Petition Team