University of Western Ontario President Amit Chakma reinforced a commitment to diversity at the fall general meeting of the Caucus on Women’s Issues Sept. 24.
In his first caucus meeting since being appointed president, Chakma described his experiences with gender and racial discrimination at other academic institutions. He says he believes “progressive polices can make a difference,” but reinforced the fact “this is a journey. We can’t change the world overnight.
“I am positive about the future, but I am also pragmatic … because cultural issues are the hardest to change.”
His position on internationalization is rooted in promoting diversity, not only a diversity of faculty and student populations, but also a diversity of ideas and teaching, he says.
“I worry about a lack of diversity in academics. We need a diversity of views.”
Rebecca Coulter, past caucus president and Faculty of Education professor, questioned how the administration would support faculties seeking to diversify their curriculum. Chakma said the power to make change does not lie with the president but is up to faculty and deans.
He noted changes can be restricted by budget funding.
“We can bring different disciplines together and at least there is a hope that they will speak from different perspectives,” he says.
Asked whether he has a strategy for listening to the diversity of voices on campus, Chakma says he has, and continues to, meet with groups on campus. He will entertain an audience with any groups who invite him. “I am trying to listen, trying to learn.”
Educators play a role in modeling a respective and inclusive environment for students, he says. “I am very impressed with what I see at Western. I am convinced there is a willingness to do something.”