STATEMENT ON RACISM

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Vanier College wishes to condemn the recent acts of violence in the United States, including that which led to the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd. We stand with those who are calling for change, not only in the United States, but around the world, including Canada.

We need to recognize that systemic racism affects all societies and as such we have a collective responsibility to address its causes and resolve its impact on Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) to create a more just society, not simply in words but in practice.

Vanier is a diverse community of learners and prides itself on trying to create a learning environment free of racism, discrimination and hate. Vanier faculty, staff and students have long been involved in symposia, conferences and other activities designed to educate about the dangers of discrimination, racism and hate in all its forms. But we need to recognize that the struggle against systemic racism is a continuous one with much yet to be done.

We need to commit ourselves to an ongoing process of reflection on our own practices and address these issues in concrete terms.

The College therefore reiterates its commitment to provide a safe educational environment for each member of our diverse student body, free of racism, discrimination and hate. The entire community is invited to participate in this endeavour which, in addition to continuing our ongoing educational initiatives, involves recognizing the impacts of systemic discrimination, in order to make individual, collective and institutional commitments leading to real change.

John McMahon, Vanier College Director General