Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report
- Letter from President Dr. Mohamed Lachemi
- Foreword from Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion Dr. Denise O’Neil Green
- Executive Summary
- Interview Methodology
- The Student Experience and Recommendations
- Staff and Recommendations
- Faculty and Recommendations
- Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion
- Conclusion
"We must continue to take serious action to create a future in which all Black students, faculty and staff feel welcome, included and can bring their whole selves to TMU to work, learn, research, teach and succeed."
Ten years ago, an Anti-Racism Task Force at Toronto Metropolitan University released a report that examined systemic racism and barriers on campus while laying out recommendations to create a more inclusive campus environment for all students, faculty and staff to study, work and teach.
While we have made some progress towards furthering equity, diversity and inclusion at TMU—including hiring the first vice-president position fully dedicated to equity and community inclusion at a Canadian university, and hosting the first White Privilege Conference in Canada—more direct action needs to be taken and more work needs to be done to realize social progress and racial equality.
The last few months have brought an intense focus on anti-Black racism; however, TMU has been on this journey for some time. In 2019, I tasked the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion with conducting an Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review.
I am very pleased that we are able to share The Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review with the TMU community. I want to thank all of the Black students, faculty and staff who came forward and participated in the process.
This report comes at a very important time for TMU and for the world around us. Current events are unfolding globally against centuries of historically systemic racism which has disproportionately disadvantaged the Black community. It comes at a time when all people and communities of privilege have a responsibility to challenge and dismantle anti-Black racism and discrimination.
The completion of The Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review is just the first step in a journey for TMU. We must continue to drive change and take serious meaningful action to create a future in which all Black students, faculty and staff on our campus feel welcome, included and can bring their whole selves to TMU to work, learn, research, teach and succeed.
The next step will be carried out by the Presidential Implementation Committee, which has been tasked with addressing the recommendations included in the report.
If we act now to realize our shared future, just imagine where we can be in 10 years. We must remain vigilant in facing anti-Black racism, racial discrimination and systemic racism, and continue to take action.
Dr. Mohamed Lachemi
President and Vice-Chancellor
Toronto Metropolitan University
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