The Scarborough Charter
A national framework for transformative change. The Black Undergraduate Coalition stands as a primary advocate for the rigorous implementation and monitoring of the Scarborough Charter across Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Why It Matters to BUC
The Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education is more than a document; it is a collective commitment to redress historical wrongs and build an equitable future. For Black undergraduates, the Charter provides the necessary leverage to demand substantive rather than performative inclusion.
BUC utilizes the Charter as our primary blueprint for advocacy. We ensure that the commitments made by university administrations translate into tangible improvements in the student experience, from curriculum reform to representation in governance.
Signed 2021
Co-developed by over 50 universities and colleges across Canada to address Anti-Blackness in academia
The Four Pillars
The Charter's structural foundation for institutional change.
Black Flourishing
Creating the conditions for Black students, staff, and faculty to thrive, not just survive. This involves holistic support systems and the removal of systemic barriers to success.
Inclusive Excellence
Recognizing that academic excellence is impossible without diverse perspectives. Integrating Black scholarship and ways of knowing into the core intellectual mission of the university.
Mutuality
Fostering reciprocal relationships between universities and Black communities. Institutions must move beyond extraction and towards authentic, mutually beneficial engagement.
Accountability
Establishing clear metrics, timelines, and reporting structures. Governance and leadership must be held responsible for the progress of the Charter's principles.
Institutional Commitments
What BUC expects from every signatory institution in Canada.
Governance & Policy
Structural Reform
Reviewing and revising internal policies that disproportionately impact Black members of the academic community.
Research & Curriculum
Epistemic Justice
Incentivizing Black studies and ensuring that Black perspectives are represented across all disciplines, not just as electives.
Representation
Diverse Leadership
Commitments to cluster-hiring Black faculty and ensuring Black representation in senior administrative roles and university boards.
Our Role in Advocacy
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Monitoring institutional progress through our annual Charter consultation session for each member campus.
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Empowering student leaders with the language and frameworks of the Charter to use in meetings with Deans and Presidents.
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Facilitating cross-institutional knowledge sharing on successful Black inclusion initiatives.
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Lobbying for provincial and federal policy alignment with the Charter's goals.
Join the National Advocacy Network
Help us ensure that your institution lives up to the promises made in the Scarborough Charter. Become a Charter Ambassador for your campus.