International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2023 • 10:00 am- 3:00 pm 

Deepening Knowledge and Building Strategies: Faith, Anti-Racism and EDI at the University of Toronto

The Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) and the University of Toronto is committed to supporting faculty, staff and students in the tri-campus community and responding to the needs of campus communities experiencing racism and religious discrimination through diverse programming and resources. We are aware of the complexities and nuances in discussions surrounding faith, discrimination and racial equity. However, we recognize the equal importance of providing an opportunity for the U of T community and external community to hold these important dialogues.

Through this event, ARCDO hopes to deepen knowledge and advance the ongoing institutional work around faith, anti-racism and educational strategies, that is aligned with (but not limited to) the work of the Anti-Racism Strategic Tables.

Event objectives:

• Identify and discuss anti-racism, EDI and faith-based approaches to address various forms of racial and faith-based discrimination (including but not limited to Antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian racism and other experiences);
• Deepen learning on synergies and strategies that can be engaged between diverse faith-based advocacy efforts, to advance action planning and systems change;
• Foster a space to engage in reflection and discussion of how to strengthen connections between anti-racism, faith-based and EDI advocacy efforts in post-secondary spaces.

 

Download full event agenda [PDF]

 

Opening Remarks and Reflections:

 

Opening Performance:

 

Jenny Blackbird (she/her)
Resource Centre and Programs Coordinator
First Nations House, University of Toronto
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Panel Discussion:

 

 

 

Steel Pan Performance:

 

Devindra Ramoutar (he/him)
Musician and Entrepreneur
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Note: Space is limited for in-person registration.
Audience: University of Toronto faculty, staff, students.

Accessibility: If you require accommodation, please email s.baig@utoronto.ca and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.
Cost: Free

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What is IDERD?

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) was established by the United Nations in 1966 to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. It is observed every March 21st to bring the world community together to increase its efforts in the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and racism (United Nations, Resolution 2142, XX1).

The U of T IDERD Campaign was launched in March 2012 in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The tri-campus communication campaign is implemented annually as a key part of the University’s ongoing effort to eliminate racial discrimination and advance anti-racism, throughout the University community.

The elimination of racial discrimination and racism is an essential part of U of T’s efforts to cultivate an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment. This is noted in the University’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence.

ARCDO invites members of the University of Toronto to join us for additional programming in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

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March 14, 2023 • 10:00 am- 12:00 pm • In collaboration with the Multi-Faith Centre

A Shape-Shifting Hatred: Understanding and Addressing Antisemitism

Referred to as the world’s “longest hatred” by historian Robert Wistrich, antisemitism is a potent and dangerous form of racism, prejudice, and hate that has persisted over millennia. Often regarded as a problem of the past in North America, antisemitism has never really gone away, and contemporary expressions of it are becoming increasingly more prevalent and worrisome. This workshop will deepen participants’ understanding of antisemitism, demonstrate the connections between historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, and provide participants with tools to identify and address antisemitic discourses in order to promote more inclusive learning and work environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the connection between historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism;
• Identify some common antisemitic trope and discourses; and
• Share strategies and resources to help antisemitism in postsecondary environments.

Facilitator

Shari Golberg Ph.D. (she/her)
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Registration Closed

Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto.
Cost: Free

Note: Students must be logged in to CLNx prior to registering for this workshop.

This event has passed.

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March 16, 2023 • 10:00 am- 12:00 pm • In collaboration with the Multi-Faith Centre

More than One Experience: Encountering Islamophobia

No one experiences Islamophobia in the same way but its existence is undeniable. Islamophobia presents itself in innumerable ways as it intersects across ethnicity, sexuality, gender, race, etc. Deepening our learning about the various manifestations of Islamophobia is an important step to building our tools to addressing experiences in our environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Deeper awareness of different manifestations of Islamophobia, including ways it surfaces in discourses in academic and co-curricular spheres.
• New insights on how to address Islamophobic misrepresentations and generalizations in learning and working spaces.
• Tips and strategies to facilitate and create open spaces to honour unique lived experiences.
• Share strategies to address and combat Islamophobia in higher education.

Facilitator

Gilary Massa (she/her)
View Bio

Registration Closed

Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto.
Cost: Free

Note: Students must be logged in to CLNx prior to registering for this workshop.

This event has passed.

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March 28, 2023 • 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm

Dismantling Anti-Black Racism in Post-Secondary Environments

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss and learn about the historical context of racism and its present day impacts for Black community in Canada;
• Understand and discuss the fluidity of anti-Black racism and its manifestations (within systems, institutions and individual experiences);
• Identify and unpack organizational and systemic barriers that can impact Black community from being included in post-secondary environments;
• Share strategies and tools to break the cycle of anti-Black racism and create more inclusive working and learning environments.

Facilitator

Dr. Joseph Smith (he/him)
View Bio

Register online

Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto.
Cost: Free

Note: Students must use their University of Toronto email address to register.

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Past Events

 

2022 Events|2020 IDERD Impact Awards | 2021 IDERD Conference