Delores Mullings' departure draws student and faculty criticism at Memorial University

Student and faculty unions say Delores Mullings' early exit as Memorial University's first vice provost for equity, diversity, inclusion and anti‑racism signals institutional failure and have called for an independent review; the university says consultations on the EDI-AR office are underway and will report back in March.

Delores Mullings, Memorial University's first vice provost for equity, diversity, inclusion and anti‑racism (EDI‑AR), left the role before completing her five‑year term. Mullings has described limits to shared understanding and support for equity work at the university and has cited workplace problems; some details are covered by a non‑disclosure agreement. Student and faculty unions say her departure reflects institutional failure, affecting students' sense of belonging and trust. The university says it is reviewing the EDI‑AR office's structure, conducting consultations to inform hiring of a successor, and that President Janet Morrison will provide an update in March. What is known: - Delores Mullings resigned before the end of her appointed term and has publicly described challenges in carrying out the EDI‑AR role, with some specifics constrained by a non‑disclosure agreement. - The Canadian Federation of Students‑Newfoundland and Labrador and the Memorial University Students' Union have called for an independent investigation into the senior administration with respect to racism, including anti‑Black racism; MUNSU has publicly supported that call. - Memorial University says consultations are underway to shape the hiring and structure for the EDI‑AR leadership and that a progress update will be provided in March. Summary: Unions and campus groups say Mullings' departure has exposed concerns about how equity work is supported at the university and about the impacts on students' trust and wellbeing. The university is conducting consultations on the office's structure and leadership and has scheduled an update in March; calls for an external investigation have been publicly raised by student groups.