Statement on Racial Injustice and Systemic Discrimination

Dear McGill KPE Community,

Recent events have cast important light on the racial injustice and systemic discrimination that exists in today’s world. The killing of George Floyd in the US, as well as numerous other acts of racialized violence in the US and Canada necessitate our ongoing examination of how racism and social inequality remain deeply rooted in our society. I wish to convey our department’s sincere and steadfast commitment to enacting McGill’s core values of equity and inclusiveness—a commitment that includes ongoing efforts to root-out both direct and indirect prejudices that exist in our own communities.

KPE is reflecting carefully about the work needed to challenge systemic racism within our campuses. In addition to implementing and upholding anti-racism directives from the University and Faculty, our efforts will include striking a KPE task force charged with advancing department-specific recommendations for improving equity and inclusiveness in our community.

In closing, I wish to echo Dean Rassier’s earlier comments that, “as members of the Faculty of Education, we help to shape society through our teaching and research.” In KPE, our teaching and research directly concerns inclusion and the well-being of our communities. As such, we must take an active role in promoting inclusiveness; social and racial equality; and diversity as our strengths.

Sincerely,

Dr. Julie Côté

Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education