U of T Anti-Black Racism Task Force
Task Force Co-Chairs
“The true focus of revolutionary change is never merely the
oppressive situations which we seek to escape, but that piece of the
oppressor which is planted deep within each of us….”
—Audre Lorde, 1980
“Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference”
About This Initiative
The U of T institutional Anti-Black Racism Task Force was formed to address anti-Black racism and to promote Black inclusion and excellence within the University of Toronto tri-campus community. Throughout the course of the 2020-21 academic year, the Task Force reviewed existing University policies, processes, and practices and considered others that would address anti-Black racism. The Report of the University of Toronto Anti-Black Racism Task Force was delivered to the President, Vice-President Human Resources and Equity, and Provost on March 31, 2021, and provided actionable recommendations to further Black inclusion and excellence at the University.
Addressing anti-Black racism and creating sustainable change will continue to entail some difficult and brave conversations. This is important work we must all do together as a University community. Moving towards a more inclusive University community that recognizes inclusive excellence is vital to best advancing the research, educational, and civic impact of this University both nationally and globally.
Task Force Membership
Undergraduate and Professional Program Students:
- David Allens, Faculty of Arts and Science
- Alana Bailey, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
- Sofia Oke Quick, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
- Debra Olaniyi, University of Toronto Mississauga
- Aysha Nebil Mohammed, Rotman Commerce
Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows:
- Ahmed Ilmi (Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow), OISE
- Travonne Edwards, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
- Kadija Lodge-Tulloch, Faculty of Arts and Science
Staff:
- Mikhail Burke, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
- Denise Lopes, University of Toronto Scarborough
- Andrea Burton, University of Toronto Mississauga
- Mark Seymour, Division of University Advancement
- Deborah Warner, Tri-campus/Community Safety Office
Faculty and Instructors:
- Catherine Amara, Kinesiology and Physical Education
- Robert Gerlai, University of Toronto Mississauga
- Sarah Lynn Kleeb, University of Toronto Scarborough
- Ann Lopez, OISE
- Melanie Newton, Faculty of Arts and Science
- Alexie Tcheuyap, Faculty of Arts and Science
The Task Force is grateful for the feedback that was provided by members of the community. These observations, conversations and experiences were vital in drafting the recommendations that the Task Force made in its Final Report.
Resources
- Terms of Reference
- Anti-Racism Strategic Tables: Anti-Black Racism Task Force (Division of HR & Equity)
- Report of the University of Toronto Task Force on Anti-Black Racism and the Administrative Response (Division of HR & Equity)
Related Reading
- ‘This is a Canadian Problem too’: Professor and Vice-Dean Maydianne Andrade discusses systemic racism and anti-Black racism and her podcast ‘The New Normal’
- Dean and Task Force co-chair Dexter Voisin on systemic racism, trauma, and the Black community
- New U of T professor Nadège Compaoré on being Black in academia and why representation matters
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health: Affliction Without Immunity: How Anti-Black Racism Damages More Than the Dream
- From The Chronicle of Higher Education: A Survival Guide for Black, Indigenous, and Other Women of Color in Academe
- From The Conversation: Addressing anti-Black racism in post-secondary institutions can transform Canada after the COVID-19 pandemic
- From The Conversation: How anti-Black racism on Canadian university campuses robs us all
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health: Racism: The Missing Social Determinant of Health
- ‘We need to ensure a cultural shift’: U of T’s Onye Nnorom on why Canada needs more Black physicians
- National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities
- Canadian universities and colleges come together to take action on anti-Black racism
- Canadian post-secondary institutions unite to take action on anti-Black racism, Black inclusion
- Video: Wisdom Tettey, U of T Vice President and Principal of U of T Scarborough, speaks on the importance of taking action now against anti-Black racism and standing for Black inclusion in the higher education sector
- U of T Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office Anti-Black Racism Workshops and Programming
- National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity membership and mentorship
- Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty & Academic Life: Resources for Enhancing Diversity
- Scholar Strike for Black Lives in Canada, including recorded teach-in sessions
Image credit: Clay Banks