As a society, we have failed to effectively address the pervasiveness of racial injustice that is part of Canada’s history and present reality. As an institution of higher learning, with the expectation of being change agents, the University of Windsor has fallen short in effectively challenging and dismantling institutional and systemic racism. Historical injustices and more recent acts of racism have galvanized global consciousness about the centuries-long oppression of racialized peoples in Canada. A critical component of anti-oppression work must be to address the challenges of institutional racism on university campuses. The University of Windsor is affirming its obligation and commitment to lead and act in challenging and dismantling systemic and institutional racism, and the dangerous philosophies on which it is grounded.
The University of Windsor is committed to ensuring a racially diverse Anti-Racism Council. Although allies can apply to serve on the Council, the voices of those from historically oppressed and marginalized communities will be prioritized. Therefore, applicants are asked to voluntarily self-identify in terms of their racial identity. The University of Windsor invites nominations and self-nominations from students, staff, faculty, and community members for the UWindsor Anti-Racism Council.
A truly inclusive future for the University of Windsor begins with our actions and choices today. We invite all members of the campus community to engage in this important work.
Purpose
- To listen and learn from the experiences of racialized students, staff, and faculty across the University of Windsor, with the goal of centring these experiences in determining priorities for substantive change.
- To identify and review policies, programs, pedagogical practices, research, and other concrete actions on campus and beyond, and recommend pervasive anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices with measurable, time-defined calls to action. These actions will support equitable access to opportunities, highlight and celebrate histories and cultures, and foster safer, inclusive, anti-racist communities.
To continue the work of dismantling racism, the University will regularly seek input from the Anti-Racism Council regarding initiatives and provide updates to the University of Windsor.
About the Anti-Racism Council
The Task Force is advisory to the Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion. The Council will provide ongoing updates as it deems necessary, with annual reports to the Board of Governors and the Senate. All reports will be made publicly available.
Membership
The composition of the Anti-Racism Council will reflect the diversity of racialized communities and voices on campus and the intersectionality of identities and backgrounds (i.e. gender, sexual orientation, culture, etc.) that impact the experiences of racialized individuals, safety, and equity. Representation will include members of faculty and staff, students, student unions and student groups, a community member/alumnus, and representation from a variety of disciplines. A detailed outline of the Anti-Racism Council composition can be found in the terms of reference.
The Anti-Racism Council will select a co-chair to work alongside the Director of Anti-Racism Organizational Change.
The Anti-Racism Council membership will prioritize the voices of racialized campus community members as the majority of the composition. Membership should reflect the following characteristics:
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Knowledge and understanding of issues of racism and systemic oppression.
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Experience working on anti-racism issues.
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Activism in the community on racial justice, anti-racism, and equity issues.
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Commitment and accountability to a collective process.
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Skills in listening, analyzing, and learning.
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Ability to work in a team through consensus decision-making.
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Availability and willingness to attend meetings at least once a month, and more frequently if required by the Anti-Racism Council.
Nomination Process
Candidates may be nominated or self-nominated for eight at-large positions on the Anti-Racism Council (two students, two staff, four faculty). Representatives of constituencies identified in the Terms of Reference will be nominated by those groups.
The deadline for nominations has now passed.