We are living through unprecedented times. Alongside the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are bearing witness to public galvanization against anti-Black racism. Yet we continue to witness incidents of racism, discrimination and hate towards racialized groups, including Indigenous peoples and most recently, with anti-Asian attacks. We recognize the frustration, anger, fear and sadness that may be felt, particularly by our racialized students, faculty, and administrative staff. We also recognize that racially-based violence and discrimination are, sadly, not new issues.
To our students, faculty and staff who face daily oppression and aggressions and whose safety and wellbeing is continuously threatened, we see you. We stand with you.
We, as a School, have been teaching students the health impact of inequities brought about by the racialization of so many members of society for whom we have the privilege of providing nursing care. We have emphasized the key role of advocacy in the mandate of licensed professional nurses, acknowledging the trust that society has placed in us to advocate for them, whether at the bedside or at policy tables.
We believe in offering a nursing education imbued with cultural humility and safety, and strengthened by the lived experiences of diverse groups. We have much to learn and do together to ensure our beliefs are matched with action and ultimately, results. Our commitment to real change remains steadfast.
We openly and clearly denounce racism in all of its forms, and we continue to espouse zero-tolerance of racist acts of any kind.
Please know that our doors are open, we hear you, and we are allies.
Anita J. Gagnon RN, MPH, PhD
Associate Dean and Director
Ingram School of Nursing
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
For a list of resources on racism for our ISoN students, faculty and administrative staff, please consult this link.
More resources for our ISoN students available here.