1. BCTF Fall Zone Meeting
October 12–13, 2018
Continuing the Conversation on Equity and Inclusion: Will Meritocracy Get Us There?

2. Meritocracy? 2

3. Meritocracy*
Meritocracy describes a system in which everyone has an equal chance of succeeding. In a meritocratic society, success depends entirely on how hard you work. Factors such as class, gender, sexual orientation, or race do not influence your chance at succeeding. To put it simply, the harder you work, the more successful you will become.
*Source: “Sixty Second Sociology: Meritocracy.” YouTube. August 30, Accessed September 19, 3

4. Two-minute pair-share
What role does meritocracy play in accessing leadership positions within your local?

5. Privilege is a special right or advantage available only to a particular person or group.

6. Unconscious bias
Our minds evolved the ability to process and act on information unconsciously as a survival mechanism.
We respond positively to people we see to be like us and negatively to those who we perceive as different.
This unconscious judgement of people may affect whom we select in leadership roles.

7. A second look at meritocracy 7

8. People with disabilities
How do privilege and unconscious bias impact on your group’s access to local leadership positions?
What equity policies and practices could your local put in place to overcome these barriers?
Role play
LGBTQ2S+
People of colour
Women
People with disabilities
Aboriginal teachers 8

9. What concerns do you or your members have about equity policies?

10. Myths and realities about equity policies*
Myth no.1: Employment equity means treating everyone the same.
Reality: Employment equity means treating everyone with fairness, taking into account people’s differences. Sometimes employment equity means treating people equally despite their differences. Sometimes it means treating them as equals by accommodating their differences.
*Source: Canada. Employment and Social Development. Labour. Employment Equity: Myths and Realities. Gatineau, Québec: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,
This reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.

11. Myths and realities about equity policies* (cont.)
Myth no.2: Employment equity results in “reverse discrimination.”
Reality: Employment equity means everyone has equal employment opportunities— not just a select group. Employment equity is about eliminating barriers faced by certain groups in society.

12. Myths and realities about equity policies* (cont.)
Myth no.3: Employment equity means hiring unqualified people.
Reality: Employment equity means providing all qualified and qualifiable individuals with equal employment opportunities, not just a select few.

13. Myths and realities about equity policies* (cont.)
Myth no.4: Employment equity means lowering job standards.
Reality: Employment equity examines job standards to ensure that job criteria are realistic and job related. A sound employment equity program guarantees that people are not denied jobs for reasons unrelated to their skills or abilities.

15. Sharing equity and inclusion zone presentations in your local

16. Sharing equity and inclusion zone presentations in your local

17. lg:tfeu