Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Society
‘A million dimensions of inequality’
In her podcast series In/Equality, Debra Thompson, an associate professor in McGill’s Department of Political Science, interviews leading academic experts about different aspects of inequality. She wants to ‘create shortcuts’ to provide her audience with nuanced and accessible information about complicated issues.
Culture
An unconventional path to literary stardom
As an undergraduate, Kai Thomas, BA’16, examined old newspaper ads in the McGill Library about runaway slaves. That research helped inform In the Upper Country, his first novel, which won one of Canada’s top literary prizes last year.
Culture
There’s a lot more to Canadian art than the Group of Seven
As the executive director of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Sarah Milroy oversees an institution whose collection includes works by the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson - some of the most famous art ever produced in Canada. But Milroy insists that is only one part of the McMichael story.
Culture
Creating culturally appropriate architecture for the North
Award-winning architect Alain Fournier has worked on dozens of projects for Indigenous communities in the North, creating distinctive buildings and structures that reflect the communities they serve.
Society
A new face for Canada’s top justice job
Canada’s justice minister and attorney general Arif Virani on tackling online hate, the importance of diversity in the judiciary, and how kicking around a soccer ball can break through partisan divisions even in a deeply polarized Parliament.
People
Science with ‘a funky, cool vibe’
As an immunologist, Frederic Bertley, BSc’94, PhD’00, once worked on vaccines for HIV/AIDS at Harvard. Now, he shares his passion for discovery as the head of an award-winning science museum in the U.S.
Discovery
A more inclusive vision of law
Over the course of her career, McGill law professor Adelle Blackett has never been shy about questioning the status quo. Her work has altered the landscape for domestic workers in dozens of countries and for Black academics in Canada.
People
Championing the deep dive of investigative journalism
Allya Davidson, BA'09, has spent her career working on impactful documentaries for broadcasters like PBS, CTV and CBC.
Culture
Sharing her community’s stories
Vancouver’s Chinatown played an important role in Melissa Karmen Lee’s youth. Now, decades later, the neighbourhood is still an integral part of her life as the soon-to-be home of the institution she leads. Lee, BA’03, is the CEO of the new Chinese Canadian Museum.
Culture
Film shines light on racism in hockey
In Black Ice, his latest documentary, Hubert Davis, BA’00, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, explores the history and experiences of Black hockey players – the racism they have had to deal with and the contributions they have made to their sport.
People
Disability rights expert joins international UN committee
Laverne Jacobs, BA’94, BCL’99, LLB’99, is one of Canada’s top authorities on the rights of persons with disabilities. She is taking her expertise to the international stage as the first Canadian to ever serve on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Culture
Wrestling with identity (and laughing about it)
Ali Hassan, BA'95, is familiar to Canadians as a comedian and a prominent voice on CBC Radio. His recent book 'Is There Bacon in Heaven?' tackles the complexity of his identity as a cultural Muslim with a humorous touch.