Discussing Anti-Black Racism on Campus

By: Donneyha Ellis

A series of racially charged incidents, the establishment of an Anti-Black racism task force, the sudden departure of the University of Windsor’s Vice-President of Student Experience. It would appear there’s a problem with racism at UWindsor.

This semester I will be taking a look at the systematic and systemic racism at the University of Windsor. My reporting will cover the broad efforts administration is undertaking, such as the work of the Anti-Black Racism task force. I will assess its effectiveness in combating not just overt anti-black racism, but also the microaggressions Black students face on campus.

Racism on campus is not a new phenomenon for Black students, however. The systems and the forces that led to the various instances at UWindsor will be critically examined. You will hear from students who are disappointed with the response of the University, and their mishandling of the various anti-Black incidences on campus. Alternative methods of addressing and dismantling anti-Black racism and the overall treatment of Black students on campus will be explored. I will also be reaching out to the University administration to give them a fair hearing in describing what the strategy is to make UWindsor a just,  inclusive, and safe community for its Black students moving forward.

I welcome your comments and suggestions. Email me, ellisge@uwindsor.ca.