Students deserve an education that includes Black and Indigenous voices — not one that erases them

At the University of Windsor, we’re taught to make change — but not always how to. Too many students graduate into systems they were never taught to question. They go on to work in agencies, schools, and governments that uphold the very inequities we say we want to end. Not because they don’t care, but because their education never showed them how to recognize these inequalities or challenge what’s broken.

Right now, students have limited access to courses that explore Black and Indigenous histories, language, cultures, and experiences, even though we are directly on land that is so deeply rooted in both Black and Indigenous studies. Without this critical knowledge, graduates enter positions of influence without the cultural competence, compassion, or awareness needed to challenge and dismantle systemic inequalities. Every year, new professionals enter the workforce ready to help others. Yet when education excludes these voices, they often unintentionally perpetuate the very cycles of harm they hoped to change, repeating patterns of inequality instead of transforming them.

As a social work student at UWindsor, I’ve seen how this silence shapes our learning and limits our advocacy. A higher level of education should mean a higher level of understanding — but when entire histories are left untaught, our education becomes incomplete, and so does our impact.

We deserve an education that tells the truth, reflects our communities, and prepares us to contribute meaningfully and serve them with empathy, courage, and understanding.

Why It Matters

Systemic racism in Canada continues to harm Black and Indigenous people every day — through over-policing, child welfare disparities, and economic inequality. Systemic racism isn’t a problem of the past, it affects real people every day.

• Black and Indigenous youth are vastly overrepresented in foster care, yet less than half of the youth in care will graduate high school
• Racialized individuals earn up to 30% less than non-racialized Canadians and are twice as likely to be among the working poor.
• Indigenous people make up 32% of Canada’s incarcerated population, while Black incarceration rates have increased by 69% in the past decade.

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to break these cycles. When students learn accurate, inclusive, and community-based histories, they become leaders who listen, understand, and act — instead of unintentionally perpetuating harm. UWindsor has a chance to prepare graduates to challenge injustice with knowledge, empathy, and courage.

Our Call to Action

We call on the University of Windsor’s Administration and Board of Governors to:

Expand Indigenous Studies programs — adding more course options, a major, and interdisciplinary opportunities accessible to all students. 
Create Black Studies Programs — establishing a full discipline, including minors, majors, and interdisciplinary options from all students. 
Integrate cultural competence and anti-racism education across all programs, especially Social Work, Health Law, and Political Science. 
Collaborate with Black and Indigenous scholars, students, and community leaders to build these programs authentically and sustainably.

Why Sign

This petition isn’t just about adding courses — it’s about transforming education into a space of truth, justice, and inclusion.

By signing, you support:

• A more inclusive, equitable, and socially conscious education
• A university that prepares its students to make real change leading with empathy, understanding, and courage.
• A future where cultural competence isn’t optional — it’s essential
• To do nothing is to allow systemic harm to continue.

Together, we can make education a space for justice, understanding, and lasting change.

Be the Change you want to see!