U of R launches campaign to end racism

The University of Regina admits it has a racism problem on campus and it’s doing something to fix it.

“It’s subtle, it’s insidious, it is everywhere on our campus,” said U of R president Vianne Timmons.

She explained it’s easier to challenge racism once you acknowledge it exists. Timmons did just that on the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, launching the inclusion campaign You Belong Here. Racism Doesn’t.

“Racism is alive and well and we need to name it and we need to work together to make sure that it doesn’t flourish in our society,” said Timmons.

The campaign is based on social media, using #YQRBelong. It sends a welcoming message that the University of Regina is open to all and that bullying, abuse, harassment, violence and discrimination are not acceptable.

“I hope that we will have a campus that challenges racism. If there is anybody that sees something happening, that is inappropriate, that they step up and say racism does not belong here,” she said.

The University of Regina has a diverse population of students from 120 countries. About 15 per cent of the student population is international, 15 per cent is Indigenous and more than 800 students have disabilities.

The campaign extends beyond racism and stands up against all forms of intolerance. Timmons said the diversity of race, colour, age, religion, ability, gender and sexual orientation is the school’s strength.

A wall with a #YQRBelong backdrop has been set up in the Riddell Centre where students can take photos.