A statement against racism and inequality in solidarity with the Black community
June 3rd, 2020
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) stands in solidarity with our Black students, staff, faculty, and community against racism, inequality, and discrimination. We recognize the importance of taking the time to address the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and David McAtee, in the United States, Regis Korchinski-Paquet of Toronto, D’Andre Campbell of Brampton, and countless others in the Black community. The UWSA opposes the violent actions by police resulting in the deaths of members of the Black community.
We understand that now is the time for action. We stand with Black students from across the country demanding change. Anti-Black racism, systemic racism, and unconscious bias are real in Canada and there is no place in this world for racism, inequality, or discrimination. We are actively working to support the initiatives of the Black community here in Winnipeg. As well, working collaboratively with Black student groups on campus, such as the Students of Colour Collective (@SOCC.UW) and the Black Student Union (@BSU.UofW).
To start, we will be working with our Racialized Students’ Director, student groups, and staff to make sure they are supported in this time. The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association will be taking steps to revise policy to actively consider the role of police on campus and within UWSA spaces. Policy changes within the UWSA will be revisited, to add that calling the Winnipeg Police Service be reserved for extremely selective situations, which require law enforcement to enforce specific criminal statutes. Limiting the amount of police involvement within UWSA spaces, to a minimum, is a concrete step to ensure the integrity of the UWinnipeg community will not be compromised. We will also be reviewing our positive space policy to ensure the needs of Black students on campus are being met.
Follow @justice4blackliveswinnipeg on Instagram or their Facebook Event Page for more information regarding movements in Winnipeg led by Black students. Monetary donations can be provided via e-transfer to justice4blackliveswpg@gmail.com.
If you want to connect with a UWSA Executive, our Racialized Students’ Director, and racialized student groups on campus, please reach out to us at president@theuwsa.ca. Please understand that many Black students are organizing, grieving, and healing at this time. Information will be provided as it is available. If you are in a mental health crisis, there are options available:
- Please call the 24/7 Klinic Crisis Line at (204) 786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
- UW Student Counselling Services by phone at 204.988.7611 or e-mail at studentwellness@uwinnipeg.ca
- Mind BEACON: Mental health resource for UWinnipeg students
A list of other community mental health resources can be found here.
As your student union, we exist to amplify student voices and we are here to listen, make change and do better. We support you.
Thank you,
UWSA Executive Team 2020-2021
Jibril Hussein, President
Breanna Belisle, Vice-President External Affairs
Melanie William, Vice-President Student Affairs
