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Dean’s Statement on Anti-Black Racism

I am issuing this statement to reassure members of the FEAS community what I believe and what we believe at Toronto Metropolitan University: that racist belief systems and behaviour have no place in a just world.
June 02, 2020

The police brutality on display during ongoing protests, and U.S. President Trump's June 1 speech addressing the protests, are among the worst display of racism and lack of compassion that I have seen in recent times. I am issuing this statement to reassure members of the FEAS community what I believe and what we believe at Toronto Metropolitan University: that racist belief systems and behaviour have no place in a just world. 

I know that members of the FEAS community are distressed and disturbed by ongoing events. I urge you to access the support made possible through Toronto Metropolitan University, including Ryerson’s Centre for Development and Student Counselling and Employee and Family Assistance Program.

As an ally, I want to echo earlier statements made by President Mohamed Lachemi, who called for unity in a time of crisis and Dr. Denise O’Neil Green who has continually called upon the Ryerson community to take an intersectional approach to equity and community inclusion. 

At FEAS, our students, faculty and staff believe in making meaningful shifts in culture; the kind that lead to the greater democratization of technology and improved quality of life for all. Moving our society forward requires taking tangible steps to denounce racism and prejudice.

I encourage you to reach out and listen to those in need and find ways to get involved and support movements toward a more just world here in Canada and abroad. I would also like to draw attention to recent consultations announced by the President’s Office to listen to concerns with bringing a special constables program to campus. (Update: On June 4, the President updated the Ryerson community that he has heard your concerns about bringing a special constables program to campus and has decided not to proceed.)

I will continue to listen to the needs and concerns of the FEAS community. If you have any questions or concerns about equity and inclusion at FEAS, you can contact me or Nika Zolfaghari, Manager, Equity and Community Inclusion at nika.zolfaghari@torontomu.ca (opens in new window) 

Tom Duever

Dean, FEAS