SACPA speaker stresses importance of equity, diversity and inclusion

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 14, 2022.

Herald Photo by Ry Clarke Martha Mathurin-Moe speaks to audience members on equity, diversity, and inclusion Thursday at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization.

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs welcomed Martha Mathurin-Moe from the University of Lethbridge’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion department at its weekly session Thursday.

Mathurin-Moe talked to audience members about the importance of equity in all aspects of life, creating more opportunities for all, and the struggles surrounding the issues of inclusion and diversity.

“I was invited to give a talk about what equity work is in post-secondary spaces,” said Mathurin-Moe. “Also trying to answer questions and de-mystify the misconceptions around these concepts. I know there is a lot of polarizing views about why we are doing this work, or not doing this work, so my goal today is to have a brief conversation and address as many concerns that the people have about the importance of this work.”

Speaking towards the challenges of working towards equity, Mathurin-Moe says the work can oftentimes put people in a state of discomfort, but understanding where that comes from is part of the solution.

“I understand that this is uncomfortable,” said Mathurin-Moe. “But I ask those who are uncomfortable, can we get curious about why it’s uncomfortable? Unpack that a little and think instead of seeing differences as something deficient, and seeing it as something of an opportunity to be innovative and creative. You have to unpack that so you can grow.”

Micro-aggressions and other terminology were addressed at the seminar, explaining how they aid with equity and inclusion, and how certain behaviours can change allowing more opportunity for all.

“When we talk about micro-aggressions we are looking at a small subtle automatic put down. Everyday oppression that goes unseen,” said Mathurin-Moe. “Racial gaslighting, is a form of maintaining power by denying or dismissing an experience of a racialized event or person of colour.”

Working to build awareness around equity, diversity, and inclusion, Mathurin-Moe works towards acknowledgment of the truth and says the work is still on a journey.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but I am very hopeful, I’m stubbornly hopeful, that we are on the right path,” said Mathurin-Moe. “Everybody just wants a space and a place that they feel they can be themselves, but also feel respected and feel seen.”