Earlier this academic year, Carleton University welcomed the Secretariat of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education to campus.
Previously located at The University of Toronto Scarborough, the Secretariat supports a national network of 63 signatory colleges and universities committed to advancing systemic change and strengthening Black inclusion across the post-secondary sector.
The Secretariat is guided by a Board of Directors, chaired by Carleton President and Vice-Chancellor Wisdom Tettey, which is composed of distinguished academic and community leaders.
"Carleton is honoured to host the Scarborough Charter Secretariat on our campus," said Provost and Vice-President (Academic) L. Pauline Rankin, who also serves on the Scarborough Charter Secretariat Board of Directors.
"As an early signatory to the Charter, the University is deeply committed to advancing equity, confronting anti-Black racism and fostering environments where Black students, faculty and staff can thrive. Hosting the Secretariat strengthens our role in this national movement and reinforces the importance of working collectively across institutions to drive meaningful, lasting change in Canadian higher education."
Developed through the 2020 National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities and adopted in 2021, the Charter guides coordinated action across four pillars: Black Flourishing; Inclusive Excellence; Mutuality; and Accountability.
"Hosting the Secretariat in Ottawa is both symbolic and strategic," said John Ariyo, Executive Director of the Scarborough Charter Secretariat.
"We are thankful to Carleton for this partnership which positions the Charter close to federal institutions, national associations and policy networks, enhancing our ability to advance coordinated national action."
From its new base at Carleton, the Secretariat will continue to convene national dialogues, support reporting and accountability, mobilize research and strengthen collaboration across the sector. Carleton, along with the University of Ottawa, will host the third Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education on May 14 and 15, 2026.
The Carleton community is invited to attend the Scarborough Charter Secretariat Open House on April 15, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., to meet the individuals leading this work and learn more about the Secretariat's activities.
