Dear students, alumni, staff, and community members,
In the wake of the U.S. Presidential election, we are saddened by the proliferation of racist, misogynistic, homophobic, ableist and other discriminatory rhetoric and actions in the United States and Canada. As an Association that is committed to principles of equity and inclusion, we reject the hatred and bigotry that have been legitimized throughout the entire campaign.
We are aware that these responses contribute to a climate of fear and directly affect our students, alumni, staff, faculty members, and the wider York community—many of whom do not feel safe at the moment. Our membership will uphold all anti-discrimination policies in order to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for York's diverse community.
As faculty, librarians and archivists, we must clearly and without hesitation re-assert our commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice; and show our solidarity with communities that have long been leading struggles against all forms of oppression. We must also speak out against exclusionary and divisive actions whenever we encounter them.
How we respond to these events really matters. We encourage members to support each other, our students, and any member of our community who is feeling vulnerable in the current climate. We also encourage members to support initiatives at York that foster critical thinking, challenge hatred and bigotry, and promote social justice and human rights for everyone.
Richard Wellen
President
York University Faculty Association
This statement is available in PDF. Please download and share widely.
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In the spirit of this message, YUFA encourages its members to promote and attend this important event, organized by the Race Equity Caucus:
Toward an Anti-Racist University:
Racial (In)Equity, Intersectionality, and the Social Injustice of Sameness
A public lecture by Dr. Malinda S. Smith
Friday, November 18
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
152 Founders College
Poster | Facebook | Map
For more information, including an abstract of the lecture and a short biography of Dr. Smith, please click here.