A quiet controversy is brewing at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, where several prestigious tenured professor positions are, in effect, closed to straight white men.
Five recently advertised job postings explicitly state that only current employees and individuals identifying as members of designated employment equity groups are eligible to apply. These groups include women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, and people with disabilities.
Among the positions is a highly sought-after research chair in musculoskeletal health and genomic mapping of the Newfoundland and Labrador population – a seven-year role offering a substantial $200,000 annual salary, with potential for renewal.
Other research chair opportunities span critical fields like community health and substance use, computational biochemistry, artificial intelligence for Arctic navigation, and Indigenous knowledge combined with digital technology. These positions offer $100,000 salaries plus a $20,000 research stipend annually, also with potential for extension.
The funding for these research chairs comes from a significant federal investment – approximately $311 million each year – aimed at bolstering research across engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
The university’s commitment to employment equity is clearly stated in the postings, emphasizing a desire for applications from all qualified candidates within the specified equity groups. Applicants are also informed they will receive an employment equity survey after submitting their initial application.
Memorial University’s human resources materials reinforce this dedication, highlighting a commitment to building a diverse workforce and providing leadership in progressive and equitable employment practices.
Legally, these targeted job postings are permissible under the Canadian constitution. Section 15, guaranteeing equality under the law, allows for programs designed to improve conditions for historically disadvantaged groups.
Founded as a “living memorial” to those lost in the First World War, Memorial University now serves a diverse student body of over 17,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, a testament to its evolving identity.
The situation raises complex questions about equity, inclusion, and the boundaries of affirmative action in academic hiring practices, sparking debate about fairness and access to opportunity.
