Statement from the Interim Provost about the upcoming Scholar Strike

Members of Canada’s academic community have been invited to take part in a Scholar Strike (external link)  on September 9 and 10 to protest the anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and colonial police brutality taking place in communities around the world. As we believe that equity, diversity and inclusion are essential components of a modern, accessible post-secondary institution, Ryerson University supports all faculty, instructors, staff and students who wish to participate in this designated time of reflection, learning and action.

While activities on these two days may take many forms, we encourage those who wish to take part to engage in constructive conversations with colleagues and classmates about the systemic racial injustice we are resisting together.  

Faculty and instructors are asked to communicate any intended class changes to students with as much advance notice as possible, and staff members who wish to participate in Scholar Strike activities are asked to make individual arrangements with their managers. Leaders should be as accommodating as possible with their employees who are interested.  

Participation in this action is voluntary, and the university supports our community members using this time as they see fit. It is our hope that, in upholding the integrity of this initiative, we are able to give our friends and colleagues the space they may need to support one another during these challenging times.

We understand how difficult these last few months have been for Black and Indigenous community members and loved ones, and remind everyone who may be experiencing heightened levels of race-based traumatic stress to take advantage of Ryerson’s mental health and well-being resources. Now is the time to take care of ourselves so that we can continue to educate, uplift and inspire one another.

Saeed Zolfaghari
Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic