The Belonging, Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity Institute is the student led EDI&D department that serves to provide a platform for underrecognized groups on the University of Windsor campus. Our drive to create these platforms and initiatives for students stems from Hiraldo's (2010) belief that "in order to take a closer step towards eradicating racism on college campuses, student and academic affairs need to incorporate dialogues around race throughout the curriculum and student activities" (Patton et al.)
The implementation of the EDI Institute means that students of diverse groups will be protected under UWindsor bylaws and policies. BIDE aims to be the visible initiative in place. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion tend to be more visible within divisions of students affairs, although the power of the institution tends to be centralized within academic affairs where there is less representation of racialized people.
With BIDE, we aim to foster braver spaces in order to have students at the University of Windsor feel welcome and included. By creating programs and initiatives that give students the opportunity to share what they know, their experiences, and their passion through conversation and activities.