President’s statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

- University of Victoria

Dear UVic community,

On March 21, we recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and draw attention to the ongoing realities of white supremacy, xenophobia and misogyny among other forms of oppression. 

The shooting in Atlanta has brought this into focus this week, highlighting the rise in anti-Asian racism seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. I condemn these acts and mourn those lost, but this is just one example of these very real and ongoing injustices.

Discrimination and racism exist in all our communities and cannot continue to be tolerated. As a privileged, white male settler with a leadership role at this university, I acknowledge my own complicity in benefitting from systems that are rooted in white supremacy. I reaffirm my commitment to dismantling these systems of oppression. 

As a community, we are engaged in an institutional equity action planning process and I urge us to continue to dedicate ourselves to working toward actions that help us realize our collective commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism. 

Together, we must stand in solidarity with all the groups who contribute to the diversity of our university and our community. 

With humility,

Kevin

Kevin Hall, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

Read more about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and UVic initiatives

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I acknowledge that the recent attacks in Atlanta were the result of bias rooted in hate against people based on their race, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. They create fear, anxiety and anger for so many in our community. For students, faculty and staff members from the UVic community who may feel unease or anxiety as a result of these and other incidents, we hope you will seek support through Counselling Services for students or Employee Family Assistance Program for faculty and staff.

If you experience discrimination yourself or witness someone else facing discrimination on our campus, I urge you to contact the Equity and Human Rights Office at .