Message to students about Blackout Tuesday

Message from Michele Beaudoin, Vice-President, Student Services

I reach out to all of you today because I know these past few months have been challenging and sometimes disheartening. As I write, I reflect on the meaning of Blackout Tuesday and why so many people across the world paused, felt, posted and thought about George Floyd, or his family, or the long-standing racism and inequality that surrounds the story of his death. Some of you participated, some of you remained silent and some of you are still thinking about what it all means. Like me, many of you feel a rage that lingers or a helplessness that feels like we live in a world we can’t fix.

We are all experiencing the effects of a global pandemic, which has isolated us in a way that steals our spirit, and some of you may be facing the illness of a family member or close friend. This makes current events even more difficult to process and understand. The pandemic has disproportionately affected members of the Black community, making recent acts of racism more poignantly felt. I mourn with you now, because I acknowledge and see privilege clearly today.

To address systemic inequity, racism and privilege, we must be willing to acknowledge our role in it. We are never bystanders, because inaction is a form of action. Ignorance is action because it is a choice we make.

I have worked with students for almost 30 years, and I have become more, not less, hopeful. Today, you are paying increased attention to global issues, developing a growing activism and a willing desire to become involved beyond the self and a social consciousness that rivals generations before you. I write to you today in awe of your worldview, your tremendous capacity for change and your determination to make your mark.

I have spent the past four years at Fanshawe working with student leaders of different cultures, faiths, belief systems and worldviews. Our Indigenous students have taught us that being seen, heard and understood is a path to healing. Students from other countries have taught us that Canada is a place where their uniqueness is celebrated and is a pathway to their chosen futures. LGBTQ students transcend gender norms and cause us to question the root of our own beliefs. I stand with these students. We need to stand with the protesters who exert their peaceful right to be seen, heard and understood.

I hope that you will join me in learning about the meaning behind Black Lives Matter, because none of us are immune to prejudice and anti-Black racism resides in the viewpoints, practices and systems of our society.

Fanshawe is committed to upholding values of equity, diversity and inclusion. The College has recently begun a major Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) research project that addresses invisible systemic barriers experienced by members of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups who work and study at Fanshawe College. The results of the study will provide recommendations and introduce progressive EDI practices in the College. The research project is the first step in the EDI initiative aimed at making Fanshawe the most sought-after place to work and study.

Support and resources

It has been a difficult week for many in our community. If you need to talk to someone, please do not hesitate to reach out. Click here to contact a counsellor.

As an educational institution, we understand that knowledge is power. We have created a collection of virtual Anti-Racism resources to help inform you and provide counselling support for those in distress. Click here to view the Anti-Racism Guide.

For more information, please visit Fanshawe's media contact page.