A message from Indira Naidoo-Harris, AVP, Diversity and Human Rights.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination we are reminded of the crucial importance of identifying, addressing, and standing against racism and hatred in our communities. It’s a day to reflect on how far we’ve come, and acknowledge how far we have to go. It’s a time to think about who we are and come together in our common humanity.
Fifty-eight years ago, March 21 was officially proclaimed as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This came six years after police in South Africa opened fire and killed 69 unarmed people at a peaceful protest against apartheid. As someone who was born in South Africa under Apartheid, I want you to know, that this day has incredible personal significance and meaning to me.
Everyone has the right to live free of racial discrimination and hatred. And it takes all of us to create fair and inclusive learning and working environments so everyone belongs. It’s not easy, but it’s something that can have an incredible impact on so many people’s lives.
At the University of Guelph, we are deeply committed to celebrating diversity and building an institution where all of our students, staff, and faculty feel safe, valued, and accepted. That’s why the Office of Diversity and Human Rights has created a new and comprehensive human rights online training module. Introduction to Human Rights highlights our individual responsibilities when it comes to human rights on campus, and explores how to strengthen human rights at U of G and beyond.
This module joins a wide array of resources and trainings available from the Office of Diversity and Human Rights including:
- Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression Resource List
- Principles of Belonging: Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism
- University of Guelph’s Anti-Racism Action Plan
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop Wednesday series
For more information about anti-racism or human rights resources, please reach out to DHR at dhrinfo@uoguelph.ca.
This International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, take a moment to think about the innocent lives lost in the pursuit of social justice and remember that it takes all of us to create a world we can be proud of now and in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Indira Naidoo-Harris
Associate Vice-President, Diversity and Human Rights