Dear students,
People across North America are feeling frustration, grief and anger as a result of recent incidents of anti-Black racism and violence, leading to widespread protests. As a learning community committed to diversity, inclusivity and freedom from discrimination, I know that George Brown College’s students and employees share in the pain being felt right now.
One of our Civil Engineering Technology students – Zae Sellers, who returned home to Minneapolis at the start of the pandemic – spoke to the media about the systemic racism facing Black communities. Known for her leadership on the George Brown campus, Zae is peacefully protesting in her hometown, and giving safety kits to fellow demonstrators. “People are very tired of the killing, of being innocent and still being seen as guilty,” she told the CBC. “Black people are in a state of emergency because this keeps happening and it is unacceptable.”
The George Brown community is very proud of Zae for speaking out on these issues, and for working to keep her community safe. As she has demonstrated, we all have a role to play in being part of the solution.
While recent news coming out of the United States is deeply troubling, Canada is not immune to anti-Black racism. It is critical that we – both as individuals and as an educational institution – work together to eliminate systemic barriers and to promote a fair and inclusive community in which to study, work and live.
To this end, I hope to meet with representatives of our Black Student Success Network, Student Association, Diversity and Human Rights Services, and employees in the coming weeks. There are also several initiatives underway as a result of our anti-racism consultant’s report in late 2019, including establishing an Anti-Racism/Diversity Council and reviewing the mandate for the senior level role leading Anti-Racism/Diversity at the college.
The news and imagery that have emerged in recent weeks are truly distressing and may at times feel overwhelming, particularly for those who have been personally affected by racism. On behalf of our college, I want to express our solidarity and support for members of our Black community. These are difficult times, and for those in need, I want to remind you that we have video and chat-based counselling available to students.
George Brown College is truly enriched by the broad range of identities, experiences and beliefs of our students and employees. As we look ahead, we will continue to find ways to take action by raising awareness, educating our community on the realities of anti-Black racism, and working together to create inclusive and safe spaces for the Black community to be heard, to learn and to work.
Anne Sado
President
George Brown College
