The University of Calgary claims to be a supporter of diversity within its community, but when it has the opportunity to condemn racism it often fails to do so. Many students and staff members are either unaware or choose to ignore the fact that their actions and words can be harmful to minorities on campus and it is time to make a change.  

We ask that the University of Calgary create mandatory racial training for all its staff and students to educate them on racism. The training should focus on racism, microaggressions, unconscious biases, and how to be a better ally. We request that the training be created by Black, Indigenous, and POC communities, with additional input from other minority groups. The purpose of the training is to create an environment in which all students feel safe and accepted, and all members of the community are held accountable for their actions. 

It is time to address racism head on and make changes in our community. We call on the University of Calgary to acknowledge that discrimination exists on campus and take steps to protect its student body. Racial training is the first step!