Anti-Racism at SLC

• SLC’s Commitment to anti-racism
• What is Racism?
• What is Anti-Racism?
• How to Report Racism
• Supports and Resources
• How do I learn more?

SLC’s Commitment to Anti-Racism

SLC is committed to anti-racism. We believe in the dignity and rights of every individual. We stand firmly against racism in all its forms and are committed to creating a learning environment, workplace, and community that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination. Fostering an anti-racist environment requires us to participate in reconciliation and action against systems of oppression.

We acknowledge that systemic racism exists and recognize our responsibility to actively challenge and dismantle it. We strive to create an environment where diversity is celebrated, where everyone feels valued and heard, and where equitable opportunities are available to all.

Combatting racism involves efforts to challenge and dismantle these beliefs, practices, and systems, promote racial equality and justice, and create inclusive environments where all individuals are  respected and valued regardless of their race.

What is Racism?

“Racism is an ideology that either directly or indirectly asserts that one group is inherently superior to others.  It can be openly displayed in racial jokes and slurs or hate crimes but it can be more deeply rooted in attitudes, values and stereotypical beliefs.  In some cases, these are unconsciously held and have become deeply embedded in systems and institutions that have evolved over time. Racism operates at a number of levels, in particular, individual, systemic and societal.” (Ontario Human Rights Commission)

1. Prejudice: Holding negative beliefs or attitudes towards individuals or groups based on their race.
2. Discrimination: Treating individuals or groups unfairly or differently based on their race, often denying them equal opportunities or rights.
3. Systemic/Institutional Racism: Patterns of racism that are ingrained in institutions, systems, or structures of society, leading to differential treatment and outcomes based on race. This includes disparities in areas such as education, employment, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice.
4. Microaggressions: Subtle, everyday actions or comments that communicate discriminatory messages or assumptions about someone's race.
5. Intersectionality: Recognizing that racism can intersect with other forms of discrimination based on factors like gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status, leading to compounded marginalization. Recognizing that we have overlapping components of our identity like race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and more that together, describe unique experiences and form a framework for understanding more complex descriptions of oppression. (VPFO, UBC)

Want to learn more?

What systemic racism in Canada looks like (CBC)

CCDI Webinar: History of race and racism in Canada

What is Anti-Racism?

Anti-Racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably. (Government of Canada)

Here are some key aspects of anti-racism:

1. Recognition of Racism: Anti-racism starts with acknowledging that racism exists and understanding its systemic and institutionalized nature. It recognizes that racism is not just about individual attitudes or behaviors but also about societal structures and power dynamics that perpetuate inequality.
2. Education and Awareness: Anti-racism involves educating oneself and others about the history and impact of racism, as well as understanding the experiences and perspectives of marginalized racial groups. It promotes awareness of how racism operates in different contexts and its consequences on individuals and communities.
3. Challenging Bias and Stereotypes: Anti-racism challenges stereotypes, prejudices, and biases based on race. It encourages questioning assumptions, confronting implicit biases, and actively working to dismantle racial stereotypes in personal interactions and institutional practices.
4. Promoting Equality and Justice: Anti-racism advocates for policies, practices, and actions that promote racial equality, justice, and inclusion. This includes advocating for equal opportunities, fair treatment, and protection of rights for all individuals regardless of race.
5. Supporting Marginalized Communities: Anti-racism involves standing in solidarity with and supporting marginalized racial groups. It amplifies their voices, acknowledges their experiences, and works towards addressing the specific challenges they face due to racism.
6. Taking Action: Anti-racism is about taking concrete actions to challenge racism and promote racial justice. This may involve participating in protests and demonstrations, advocating for policy changes, supporting anti-racist organizations, and engaging in community activism.

How to Report Racism?

Reporting incidents of racism can be a difficult choice for many individuals. There may be considerations like personal impact, social pressures, complex systemic procedures, or the unknown nature of a report. The purpose of the St. Lawrence College Racism Reporting tool is to provide those who have experienced or witnessed racism with a mechanism to share information efficiently and confidentially. Submitting a report is a starting point to a process that will continue to empower those harmed in the situation while advancing our collective efforts to combat systemic racism.

Please click HERE for more information about the Racism Reporting Tool.

SUBMIT A REPORT HERE 

*All other forms of harassment and discrimination can/should be reported using the Behaviroual Intervention Team form.

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