Faculty of Arts commits to addressing anti-Black racism

Dear members of the Arts community,

Yesterday, McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier announced the University’s Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism. The Action Plan is a crucial step forward for the university to deepen and elaborate its commitments within the Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Plan to confronting anti-Black racism.

I wish to take this time to affirm the Faculty of Arts’ dedication to helping dismantle anti-Black racism on our campus and to creating a more equitable space for our Black students, faculty, and staff. The Action Plan is oriented in five key areas, including the student experience, research and knowledge, outreach, workforce, and physical space. The Faculty of Arts will implement measures, for example, supporting research and knowledge, including the support of an expanded history project to delve deeper into McGill’s relationship with the transatlantic slave trade and increasing support and funding to our African Studies Program.

As Dean, I am deeply appreciative of the University’s active engagement against anti-Black racism and inspired by the local level initiatives of our units. Although McGill’s commitment is an integral part in moving forward, there is still much important work that needs to be done by all of us: all members of our community have a role to play in addressing anti-Black racism on our campus. I look forward to your ongoing support and commitment to these important steps forward.

Sincerely,

Antonia Maioni
Dean of Arts