The University of Toronto joins with the world community in observing the 2013 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD)* and emphasizing the need for continued work in eliminating racial discrimination and racism, in all its forms.  To mark IDERD 2013, the ARCDO Advisory Committee, working with the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office, has adopted the theme of ‘Race, Racism, Anti-Racism: From dialogue to action’ for the 2013 U of T IDERD Campaign. I encourage members of the U of T community to engage in this year’s IDERD Campaign by:

• Attending a tri-campus panel discussion, ‘Are you all talk? Moving from dialogue to action’, that will bring together some of U of T’s faculty, students and staff to engage in critical dialogue on the elimination of racial discrimination and advancement of anti-racism.
• Reading the profiles of fourteen candidates from across the University who are engaging in outstanding work that advances anti-racism and contributes to the elimination of racial discrimination.

  Details on both activities are available on the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office website.

I find it fitting that this discussion coincides with the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of the University’s Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office. In that time, much has changed and for the better; however, initiatives like the IDERD Campaign are essential for emphasizing the work that remains. For more information about the 2013 IDERD Campaign and the panel discussion on March 21, please contact:

Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office
www.antiracism.utoronto.ca
antiracism@utoronto.ca

*Established in 1966 by the United Nations, and observed annually every March 21^st, IDERD commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 when police opened fire killing 69 and injuring 180 peaceful anti-apartheid demonstrators in the South African township of Sharpeville. The UN proclamation called on the world community to increase their efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and racism. (United Nations, Resolution 2142, XX1).

The elimination of racial discrimination and racism is an essential part of U of T’s efforts to cultivate an equitable and inclusive working, teaching and learning environment. This is noted in the University’s Statement of Principle which states that, “(a)n inclusive and equitable environment creates the conditions for our diverse employees and students to maximize their creativity and their contribution and thereby, supporting excellence in all dimensions of the institution.” (Statement of Principle, 2006)