$101,000 Awarded to Projects Seeking to Enhance Classroom Experiences

I was horrified last night when I learned of the violent attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. I watched the news in anguish as the reports of people killed in the midst of prayer and reflection continued to rise. The Equity & Inclusion Office condemns these violent attacks and denounces the hateful actions that have ripped through a sacred space, once again.

On Jumu’ah – the day of prayer for the Muslim community – we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in New Zealand, at UBC, and across Canada and the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who gather to worship and mourn this terrible loss.

As a university, we are united in our commitment to fight hate in all its forms, including xenophobia and Islamophobia. To our Muslim community members, the Equity & Inclusion Office affirms our commitment to ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment, preventing and eliminating Islamophobia and hate, and building a campus community where all can feel safe, respected, and supported in their faith.

Any form of discrimination, including on religious grounds, is contrary to the values of the University. These values are supported and protected by UBC’s Policy #3: Discrimination & Harassment, the BC Human Rights Code, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

UBC welcomes students, staff, and faculty from across the world to our campus. As a university we are a global community, and we are committed, through our spaces of knowledge and learning, to enhance efforts that foster a more inclusive world.

I encourage all those affected by this event to access the resources and services available at UBC.

If you are concerned about your physical safety, please reach out to UBC Campus Security. For other supports, the following resources can assist you:

• UBC Counselling Services
• UBC Chaplains
• UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Human Rights Advisor, UBC Equity & Inclusion Office
• UBC Campus Security

You may also wish to attend an upcoming solidarity vigil to be held at the Al-Jamia Mosque on Friday, March 15th, at 7:30 PM.

Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion

February is Black History Month, and as part of honouring this month we asked students who are shaping the future through their involvement and leadership to reflect on this month, its relationship to the past, and its importance for the future.

We sat down with Sally Asu, a fourth year student from Cameroon enrolled in the forest resources management program in the Faculty of Forestry. Sally works as a Residence Advisor with Student Housing and Hospitality Services, and as the Conflict and Dialogue Assistant with the Equity & Inclusion Office. Sally is also actively involved in the Africa Awareness Initiative, a student club at UBC. From Cameroon, she’s also part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

What importance does Black History Month have for you?

Black History Month for me is a time to celebrate those who fought to defend the African identity and made strides towards eradicating racial prejudices. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians who have helped to shape Canada’s history and make it what it is today.

Who’s someone you look up to and why?

It’s hard to pick a single person, but I look up to all the black women who have contributed – and continue to contribute – to changing the narrative for Black Canadians in an attempt to promote the true value of multiculturalism.

What’s your experience with Black History Month?

During my time as the vice-president internal for the Africa Awareness Initiative, I organized several events for the club which were aimed at giving UBC students the opportunity to experience diverse aspects of African culture.

You’re graduating soon. What’s next?

Well, I’m very excited to start my new job working as a forestry technician in Prince George. I’m grateful and looking forward to the opportunity to be able to directly apply what I’ve learned in a professional setting. Looking further ahead, I’m eager to develop a give-back project aimed at bringing technology to rural communities in Cameroon.

Any message you’ll like to share this BHM?

As we celebrate Black history month, let us also think about all other racialized members of our communities and the intersectionality between the different forms of oppression that still exist today.

Explore Black History Month at UBC.