2026 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education

Held every two years, this biennial forum brings together members, partners and communities from across the country for discussions, idea-sharing and collective reflection on progress and challenges. In 2026, the gathering will convene signatory institutions, scholars and community leaders in Ottawa to advance the Scarborough Charter’s commitments to sustained action, accountability and institutional transformation.

The Forum will explore how inclusive excellence strengthens Black access, participation and leadership in higher education. 

Conversations will focus on two key areas:

1. Economic (Finance and Investment)
2. Political 

To examine how these forces shape opportunity and support Black flourishing within postsecondary spaces and beyond.

The Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education began as a national dialogue by a community of Canadian colleges and universities (the Inter-Institutional Forum). The Charter’s foundation was laid at the University of Toronto Scarborough, and the national framework was formally adopted in 2021.

The Scarborough Charter is more than an agreement among member institutions. It is a unifying and concrete undertaking to redress systems and structures of inequity, discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion in the Canadian higher education sector that disproportionately affect Black people in the academy and their communities. Beginning with 40 signatories in 2021, the Scarborough Charter membership has grown to over 60 institutions across Canada.

Attendance is currently reserved for signatory institutions. If you are not a member but wish to attend or discuss joining the Scarborough Charter, please contact admin@scarboroughcharter.ca to determine your eligibility.