Promoting dialogue and education

As a vital and dynamic university, we welcome the opportunity to talk freely and openly about important issues. Accordingly, we are providing the Ryerson community with an update regarding recent meetings between the Provost and the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion and Indigenous student groups, student union leaders, and other students regarding concerns of anti-Black and anti-Native/Indigenous racism triggered by events surrounding “Canada 150” locally and across the country.

These discussions have been candid and enlightening, and have brought forward a number of compelling ideas and practical solutions that we are exploring as part of our ongoing commitment to sustain and support our diverse and inclusive community.

It is important that we deal with the difficult truths about the past, the damaging effects of colonialism, and its lasting negative impact. We must include all narratives, including any that have been erased through history.

We consider it an incredibly valuable attribute of our university community that controversial subjects are discussed publicly, attitudes are challenged, and alternatives are suggested and considered. Ryerson provides an important service to society when it engages critical issues in this way.

Ryerson will continue to promote dialogue and education on vital issues such as these, learning from each other as we strive with mutual respect to assure that Ryerson is an inclusive university for its richly diverse community.

Preparations are underway for further discussions with Indigenous and other student groups and the university is committed to taking the time to continue discussions and explore next steps.

Michael Benarroch                                         Denise O’Neil Green
Provost, Vice-President, Academic             Vice-President, Equity and Community                                                                                                    Inclusion