The University of Guelph officially launched its anti-oppression and anti-racism training module Wednesday.
The module Principles of Belonging: Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism was developed by U of G’s office of diversity and human rights. It is available online and takes one hour to complete and is mandatory for all incoming students this fall.
“The Principles of Belonging module is an important step forward to assist students, faculty and staff in their anti-Black racism and anti-oppression education,” said Indira Naidoo-Harris, associate vice-president (diversity and human rights) at the U of G.
“It provides participants with the necessary tools to engage in anti-racism practices at U of G and beyond.”
The training module’s launch comes three months after U of G committed to creating the module in the wake of recent Black Lives Matter protests and a campus petition by students that called for a mandatory anti-oppression course early June.
The module is organized in two parts. The first part covers principles of anti-oppression by covering four core principles of anti-oppression and anti-racism by teaching students, faculty and staff to:
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Slow down and pause to think about how others’ lived experiences might be different than your own.
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Acknowledge the dignity of every individual and treat every member of the campus community with respect and fairness.
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Ensure that others feel seen, heard, and valued.
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Commit to being an equity champion and embrace your role in ensuring an inclusive campus.
The second half of the course examines principles of anti-racism by enabling students to engage in anti-racism practices on campus by touching on concepts such as allyship, microaggressions, bias and anti-oppression.
It also gives tips on how to create an inclusive culture at the U of G.
Participants are required to pass a quiz after they complete the training module.
“We are deeply committed to creating a culture of inclusion, respect and acceptance at the University of Guelph. Part of this commitment is ensuring each and every student, faculty, and staff have the resources and tools necessary to help create an inclusive living, learning and working environments free of discrimination and hatred,” said Naidoo.
