2025 OISE Graduate Student Research Conference

An aerial shot of colourful trees along a roadway.
March 21, 2025 to March 22, 2025
2025 OISE Graduate Student Research Conference

United by Diversity

Strategies and Solutions for Equitable Education

The world is taking a revelational step forward to create a future of endless possibilities. System-level changes and large-scale social movements in recent decades have brought issues of equity to the forefront, shifting our attention to underrepresented communities, and calling for actions that foster true progress. Within the ever-changing landscape of cultural reformation, our attempt to embrace uniqueness signifies humanity’s effort to empathize, transform, and unite with one another. In times of globalization, education is a vital instrument to achieve that connection. As we further refine education, we must strive to provide equitable opportunities to underserved communities, highlighting the cruciality of inclusion.

Our vision hopes to highlight the disparities in educational experiences and to underscore concerns around equity, resources, and access in educational settings. Racially, culturally, and systematically underrepresented groups comprise a substantial portion of learners in institutions countrywide. Learners with disabilities and special needs, learners who experience racial discrimination, learners who are financially disadvantaged, and learners who identify differently from mainstream cultural frameworks, all encounter distinct struggles on their journey to obtaining fruitful education.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Nelson Mandela

It is the ethical responsibility of educational academia to address the learning needs of those excluded from society due to age, gender identity, immigration status, language, race, sexual orientation, and physical ability. Only through genuine effort can we bridge communities, share stories, rectify histories, and ultimately create a vibrant mosaic that reflects a world united by diversity - a glimpse into a kaleidoscope of a possible future. By fostering truly inclusive educational environments that cater to the needs of diverse learners, we empower students to contribute meaningfully to a continually evolving society.

Researchers, graduate students at all stages of their research, practitioners, and artists, we eagerly encourage you to take part in GSRC 2025 with your innovative, ground-breaking, and thought-provoking work. We envision a conference rich in meaningful insights and conversations to generate potential strategies and solutions in areas that call for more attention and resources. Join us in redefining the future of education through novel ideas as we come together to foster change and build a more just, diverse, and inclusive learning environment for all.

"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." Mahatma Gandhi