^{PHOTO:UN/ Martine Perret}

Red River College Polytechnic strives to make campus a safe and inclusive space for all. Stand with us against fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims, and all forms of racism, religious discrimination, and harassment.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has recognized March 15 as an International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The UN defines Islamophobia as “a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility, and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political, and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.” This designation by the UN is a response to the increasing incidents of Islamophobia. According to the National Council of Canadian Muslims, in the last year there has been 1300% increase in cases of Islamophobia as a result of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The significance of March 15 lies in its marking of the anniversary of the Christchurch Mosque shootings, a tragic event where 51 individuals who identify as Muslims, were killed.

Reflecting on a similar tragedy closer to home, on January 29, 2017, six lives were tragically lost, and 19 others were severely injured in an attack at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy. To commemorate the victims of this attack—one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history—January 29 has been proclaimed as National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque attack and Action against Islamophobia.

With over 2 billion followers, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion accounting for 24.9% of the global population.

Resources:

• Allyship means taking concrete actions against individual and systemic discrimination. Ally is a verb, not an identity. There are many ways you can be an ally to Muslims.
• 25 Interesting Facts About Muslims: A fact sheet from the Islamic Heritage Month Resource Guidebook (Toronto District School Board)
• Islamophobia at Work: Challenges and Opportunities: A report on the trade union perspectives on Islamophobia (Canadian Labour Congress)
• Islamophobia is… more than hate crimes: A short video created by Islamophobia-Is.com (YouTube)
• Vancouver Public Library: Reading List

For Educators:

• Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims
• Accommodating Muslim Students During Ramadan: Yes, I’m Hot In This: A free poster to help educators create safe and inclusive spaces for Muslim students during the month of Ramadan
• Know Your Rights Guide for Muslim Postsecondary Students: A guide for Canadian post-secondary students about discrimination and harassment (National Council of Canadian Muslims)
• D.A.R.E.: The Digital Anti-Racism Education (DARE) Project is the Canadian Council of Muslim Women’s national program to raise awareness of online hate and Islamophobia (Canadian Council of Muslim Women)
• National Film Board of Canada: The Faith Project: The Faith Project is an interactive tablet documentary featuring short films about prayer in the modern world. (National Film Board of Canada)

RRC Polytech is recognizing Pink Shirt Day on February 28, 2024. The annual anti-bullying event began in 2007 in Nova Scotia when a grade 9 boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

Two of his classmates organized a schoolwide protest, asking all students, teachers and staff to wear pink in solidarity and to demonstrate there is no place for bullying.

Pink Shirt Day’s mission is to create a more kind, inclusive world by raising awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives.

The Campus Store has purchased shirts where proceeds support Indigenous community programs, kindness promotion and bullying-prevention programs in schools across Canada, and program subsidies to Indigenous Schools. Oromocto First Nation student artist Brooke Gillam designs this year’s artwork:

Artist Statement:

“I chose a sacred feather because it symbolizes and represents a high honour, wisdom, power, and freedom. The three hearts inside represent kindness, friendship, and love. When I tied the two together, it felt right because my heart told me it felt like it was meant to be.” -Artist Brooke Gillam Oromocto First Nation

Stand for kindness and wear pink on Pink Shirt Day to show your support for safe and inclusive campuses, workplaces and communities.

Please note the Campus Store will be closed February 27-29.

Respectful College – Online Training

RRC Polytech has developed a course called Respectful College to support our commitment to a safe and inclusive working and learning environment where everyone is entitled to be free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence.

The Respectful College course is available to all staff and students and takes about two hours to complete. Staff and students who complete the full training, including learning activities, will be eligible to print a Certificate of Completion. Login to LEARN to complete the course.

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities, who have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. You can learn more about Black history in Canada on the Government of Canada website.

Black History Month at RRC Polytech

RRC Polytech is committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. During Black History Month the College community is encouraged to heighten their awareness of the Black Canadians in our lives who impact us daily – celebrate their successes and contributions and spend time learning about the many ways cultural diversity enriches our lives.       

Library & Academic Services has created the Anti-Black Racism Learning Toolkit to help everyone better understand racism and how to take action against it. An additional list of resources will be shared below.

New members of the College’s Anti-Racism Action Committee are always welcome to join a working group of motivated staff and students dedicated to making a difference across our campuses. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please reach out to Co-Chair Rebecca Molly Hiebert.   

RRC Polytech is sponsoring a community event entitled Supporting the Winnipeg Black Collective: Action Vision & Change on February 16^th at Fort Richmond Collegiate. All members of the College community are invited to show their support by attending the dinner and symposium featuring a keynote address by Canada’s award-winning Black Justice Strategy Co-author, Zilla Jones, BMA, JD.

The evening’s festivities will celebrate Afro-Caribbean Black Canadian communities’ by paying homage to its rich history and celebrating Afro-Caribbean Black (ACB) people’s great accomplishments in our present times. The evening’s social gathering will encourage audience members to dance, sing and contribute to a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Black experiences in Winnipeg, empowering ACB community members, and supporting local Black Businesses and Initiatives.

The third annual event is organized by the Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP) and the University of Manitoba Black Alliance (UMBA). RSVP is required as space is limited.

Click for more details and to register

As part of the event sponsorship, one RRC Polytech student of African/Black descent (including international students) will be awarded a Book Bursary of $400, providing they submit their application before the deadline of February 10^th.  Please encourage any students or classmates who might qualify to fill out the brief online form to apply.   

Click to apply

Black staff, alumni and students have previously shared some personal stories to help others better understand the significance of Black History Month and we recommend you revisit them through the following links:      

Sharing Stories – Tanya Hansen Pratt

Sharing Stories – Gbolahan Olutayo Oduntan

Sharing Stories – Phyllis Reid-Jarvis

Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media channels for additional events and stories throughout February, as the celebration of Black History Month continues.

Staff are also encouraged to complete the Anti-Racism training on LEARN this month, if you haven’t already. The course speaks to unconscious bias, microaggressions, systemic racism, and privilege and purposefully challenges our staff to act when confronted with racism or discrimination, to create safe learning and working environments for all.

As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, we also recognize the importance of equity and inclusion beyond the month of February. At RRC Polytech, we are committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, year-round.

Additional Resources:

• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources has created a commemoration guide for Black History Month that RRC Polytech employees can use to celebrate and recognize the diverse experiences of Black Canadians: Commemoration Guide (PDF).
• CCDI is also hosting a free, live webinar for its employee partners on February 9, Celebrating Black History Through Story (Staff only; login required)
• CCDI past recording (no login required) Addressing Anti-Black Racism in the Workplace
• CCDI past recording (no login required) History of race and racism in Canada
• CCDI Educational resources on racism and anti-Black racism
• Winnipeg Public Library: Black History Month
• Black History Manitoba: Events Calendar
• CBC’s Black on the Prairies and Being Black in Canada
• National Film Board of Canada: Black Communities in Canada
• Government of Canada: Noteworthy Historical Figures  
• CBC’s “The Secret Life of Canada” podcast: Crash Course on Black Nurses
• Black Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Human Rights Museum: Black History and Human Rights (Sundays are free)
• Beyond anti-racism, anti-discrimination statements and charters (Scarborough Charter discussions) | Feb. 8 at 3:30 – 6:00pm
• The Mental Health Effects of Anti-Black Racism (Panel discussion on Feb. 6 at 6:00 – 8:30pm)

If you have any questions, please contact us at diversity@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytech’s second annual Inclusion Week is coming up, February 26 to March 1, 2024! The week-long event is filled with in-person and virtual opportunities for students, staff and faculty to learn how to embody equity, diversity, and inclusion at work, in class, and in our personal lives.

We are excited to announce the Inclusion Week keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Mizzi, who will be presenting a session entitled Queer Voices, Inclusive Choices: Transforming Academic Spaces.

Dr. Robert Mizzi is the Canada Research Chair in Queer, Community and Diversity Education and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Mizzi is a member of the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame and the Royal Society of Canada.

He has produced over 200 publications and presentations. His most recent book is Queer Studies and Education: An International Reader (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and Staff/Student News for the full Inclusion Week schedule of events.

Signed up to volunteer for Inclusion Week? The Planning Committee is currently finalizing the programming and will be reaching out with volunteer opportunities in the coming weeks.

This year marks 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The United Nations General Assembly created the UDHR to establish that every human being is treated as an individual and has inalienable rights.

The UDHR is a legal document listing the rights everyone is entitled to. This means all humans have the same rights regardless of religion, language, gender, race, colour, social opinion, property, or status.

Did you know, the UDHR is written in over 500 languages and is the world’s most translated document? It was proclaimed in Paris, 1948 and continues to be known as groundbreaking and a global pledge.

The theme for Human Rights Day 2023 is Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.

RRC Polytech is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on every campus. The College is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all staff, faculty, and students. You can read more about your human rights at the RRC Polytech library and visit the book display in the library hallway for recommended reading.

Local Human Rights Day events:

RRC Polytech instructor and knowledge keeper Marilyn Dykstra is facilitating a workshop tomorrow (Saturday, December 9) at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) called Opikinawasowin – The process of lifting children and growing sacredness. In this free workshop, which runs from 11a.m. to 2p.m., participants will discover and reflect on their connections with each other, with balance and with human rights through teachings and a traditional tea. Registration is required

The CMHR is also offering free admission on December 10. You can visit the museum’s galleries to learn more about our human rights and take part in activities for visitors of all ages.

TED TALKS:

Access, Equity and Justice: A World Where Women’s Rights are Human Rights (Emilie Songolo)

Stand Up: How You Can Be A Human Rights Warrior (John Shattuck)

PODCASTS:

Justice Matters Podcast

Rights Back at You

The Rights Track

The following message may trigger powerful emotions, especially for those with lived experience of victimization and violence. It is recommended that you read the message when you feel safe and supported. Resources are available, including REES (Respect Educate Empower Survivors), a community for survivors, a 24-7 Crisis Line, and additional support services for those affected by gender-based violence.

Today, December 6, RRC Polytech recognizes the National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Our flags are lowered at half-mast, and we ask that the College community observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. in the classroom, your workspace or at home.

December 6, 1989, 14 women, mostly students, who were studying in the field of engineering at Montreal’s École Polytechnique were killed at the hands of violent misogyny. Another 14 women were left injured and many more people were deeply traumatized by witnessing the horrific tragedy.

Today, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewic.

All these women were denied the bright futures ahead of them. Several women were mere days away from completing the final course of their program, with jobs and travel plans lined up, ready to make great contributions to our society.

December 6is a painful reminder that such heinous violence is not merely something of the distant past. Women and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continue to be victimized and targeted by gender-based violence, globally, nationally and within our province.

Recently within Manitoba, we have heard the difficult details of the murder of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit peoples. Over the last 30 years, there have been over 1,400 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) in Canada, and the loss of these lives is a stark reminder of this ongoing endemic issue.

Any life lost is a tragedy. Those lost could be our colleagues, mothers, daughters, sisters or aunts.

While today is somber a time, a moment to grieve the futures that were robbed of the 14 women – and all those we’ve lost due to gender-based violence – it’s also a time to foster hope. Together, we can take action and foster hope for a better future for women and girls, and remind ourselves of the deeply important “why” behind our shared commitment to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

It’s up to us as a College community to create safer, inclusive spaces where no matter what someone’s gender expression is, they can show up as their authentic selves, pursue their chosen education and future, and succeed along the journey.

I invite you to join the College community in commemorating those we’ve lost and fostering hope for a better future free of gender-based violence. There are several ways you can show your support for the elimination of violence against women:

• Observe a moment of silence today at 11:00 a.m.
  
  
• Wear a white ribbon to symbolize your pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
  • Ribbons are available at the Student Association offices, Security Services (NDC and PGI), Campus Stores, Parking Office (NDC), and they have been sent to Regional Campuses.
    
    
• Attend Women and Gender Equity Manitoba’s vigil this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.
  • The event will also be livestreamed via youtube.com/ManitobaGovernment
    
    
• Learn more about gender-based violence and supports available.
  
  
• Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (from November 25 to December 10), add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. Use the hashtag #16Days.​​​​​​​

Today is an incredibly difficult time for many. Take good care of yourselves, and if you’re able to, take care of those around you. If you need someone to talk to, RRC Polytech staff have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program through Homewood Health. Supports are available for students through Campus Well-Being.

World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world. First established in 1988 by James Bunn and Thomas Netter, the theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is “Let communities lead” and serves as an opportunity for communities worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have passed away from HIV-related illnesses. It is also a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease. HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system and reducing natural resistance to other diseases. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most important global public health issues in history.

Please visit the World Health Organization (WHO)’s fact page to read detailed information about the transmission and prevention of HIV.

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, with access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, it has become a manageable chronic health condition enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. It is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) using drugs to stop the virus from replicating in the body, allowing a person’s immune system to get stronger. This helps them to fight other infections, but currently ART must be administered every day for the rest of a person’s life to be effective.

Knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS so promoting understanding and empathy empowers us to protect ourselves, to challenge misconceptions and to become advocates for change. World AIDS Day is a rallying cry for all people to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

RRC Polytech’s Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD) working group is hosting a presentation about HIV prevention and safety with guest speaker Shauna Fay from Nine Circles Community Health Centre at 11:30 a.m. on December 1^st. All staff and students are welcome to attend, pick up some information pamphlets, enjoy light refreshments and have a chance to win some prizes. Join us in person at The Cave on the Notre Dame Campus or register to join online.

Additional Resources:

Manitoba Health

Manitoba Care Pathway

Manitoba HIV Program

Nine Circles Community Health Centre

Sisters of Fire

World AIDS Day.org

APTN story on spiking HIV rates among Indigenous People

The Bicycle : Fighting AIDS with Community Medicine (video)

The following message contains content related to gender-based violence, and may cause strong emotions to arise, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that you read the message when you feel safe and supported. Resources are available to support those in need, including REES (Respect Educate Empower Survivors), a community for survivors, 24-7 Crisis Line, and additional support services for those affected by gender-based violence. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1.

The United Nations’ campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, is a global movement that calls for the end to violence against women, women-identifying persons, and girls. November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marks the start of the #16Days, which run through to Human Rights Day on December 10.

Through grassroots organizations and movements, including #MeToo, there’s been global traction to prevent and address the critical human rights issue of gender-based violence. Leading up to International Human Rights Day on December 10, it’s important to recognize that this issue is extremely relevant right now, globally and at home.

As reported by the UN, gender-based violence affects 1 in 3 women, with risks increasing during humanitarian emergencies or when women lack access to essential rights such as education and healthcare.

Moreover, while violence affects women worldwide, certain groups such as women with disabilities, adolescent girls and older women, often face greater barriers in having their voices heard or accessing critical support.

What can you do to raise awareness about and help eliminate gender-based violence?

Aligning with the Government of Canda’s theme for 2023, Listen. Learn. Act., there are several steps you can take:

• Learn more about gender-based violence
• Watch a related movie, video or documentary from the National Film Board of Canada
• 16 ways you can help end gender-based violence
• Become an ally by adopting these simple but powerful actions all year long:
  • Listen: be open to learning from the experiences of others
  • Believe: support survivors and those affected by violence. It is very important that you say the words ‘’I believe you’’ and ‘’This is not your fault’’
  • Educate (yourself and others): learn the facts about GBV; know what your workplace policies say about violence and harassment; take a course; participate in an event
  • Speak out: add your voice to call out violence
  • Intervene: find a safe way to help when you see acts of gender-based violence. Name what you see. Express your concern and ask how you can help. Intervening can also mean providing support and resources
  • Act: give your time or donate to organizations working to end gender-based violence

Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

In Canada, we recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, to commemorate the 14 women at Polytechnique Montréal who lost their lives due to violent misogyny.

All are welcome to join Women and Gender Equity Manitoba, RRC Polytech and the community to commemorate the lives of the 14 women and foster hope for a better future free of gender-based violence.

• Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
  Event program starts at 5:30 p.m.
  Light refreshments and time for community at 6:30 p.m.
  
• Location: Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bii Bii daziigae, Exchange District campus
  319 Elgin Ave., Winnipeg, MB
  Free parking available at Market Lands development lot (site of the former Public Safety building).
  
• The event will also be livestreamed via youtube.com/ManitobaGovernment

On December 6, students and staff are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. and wear a white ribbon to signify their support for the end to gender-based violence. White ribbons are available at the following on-campus locations as of Friday, December 1:

• Exchange District Campus
  • Campus Store – Main floor of Building P
  • RRC Polytech Students’ Association – P110
  • Security Services – Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, Room 100
     
• Notre Dame Campus
  • Campus Store – Mall Level (just off the bus loop)
  • Parking Services – AB38
  • RRC Polytech Students’ Association – CM20
  • Security Services – C115

Stay tuned to the Diversity blog, Staff Forum, and Staff/Student News for upcoming Human Rights Day posts and resources to support further learning.

The United Nations General Assembly declared December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) to raise an understanding of disability issues, and foster support for the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities,” calls for commitment through enhanced actions and international cooperation, to make the SDGs a reality for, with and by persons with disabilities. Red River College Polytechnic will be signing the SDG accord on November 30, joining hundreds of colleges and universities around the world in a pledge to lead transformative change by sharing and reporting on their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

RRC Polytech is committed to continuing its work to remove barriers in post-secondary education, and to promote access and participation in all aspects and activities of the College. The College believes in inclusion, and will continue our work to meet, and exceed where possible, the mandate of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA). The following are some of the plans and supports we currently have at the College:

• Accessibility at RRC Polytech 
• Staff Accessibility Page on Staff Forum 
• Student Accessibility Page 

Here are two opportunities to celebrate, learn and commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

RRC Polytech is committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, supportive and respectful of the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and will continue to identify and implement strategies to ensure that individuals in the College community have equal opportunity to achieve their employment and educational goals.

 If you have any questions or feedback, please email diversity@rrc.ca

The following message contains content – mentions of transphobia, trans violence, and suicide – that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience.  

Post written by Justine Hawley, Chair, Gender and Sexual Diversity Group at RRC Polytech

Transgender individuals have existed throughout history, appearing in various cultures and societies long before the common era. Despite their historical presence, society’s treatment of members of the transgender community has been marked by discrimination, prejudice, and violence. The vast timeline of human existence illustrates the normativity of transgender lives. Despite this, contemporary society still struggles with acceptance and equality for transgender, non-binary, and other gender non-conforming individuals.

The term “trans” serves as an umbrella encompassing a spectrum of gender identities that do not align with an individual’s assigned sex at birth. This definition encapsulates transgender individuals, non-binary persons, and others who transcend conventional gender norms. Despite this broad understanding, societal resistance and discrimination against trans individuals persist, often stemming from ignorance, fear, or deeply ingrained biases.

Transphobia, the systematic prejudice and discrimination against transgender individuals, has created an oppressive environment that deeply affects their lives. This hostility not only threatens their existence but also leads to alarming rates of violence and suicide among the trans community. The struggle against transphobia has left many individuals physically and emotionally scarred, emphasizing the urgency for societal change and acceptance.

Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually on November 20th, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to transphobic violence. It is a day to honor the resilience of those who fought for equality, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions towards a more inclusive society. Taking a moment to reflect on the struggles faced by transgender individuals and commemorating those who are no longer with us is an essential step in advocating for a more equitable future.

Recognizing that a future without trans individuals is untenable and embracing a departure from cisnormativity are crucial steps towards creating a more harmonious and accepting world. It necessitates a collective effort to dismantle discriminatory systems, foster empathy, and celebrate the diversity of human experiences.

In acknowledging the historical presence and ongoing struggles of transgender individuals, we can strive for a society where everyone is respected, valued, and embraced for their unique identities. Embracing inclusivity and understanding is pivotal in building a world where transgender individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or violence.

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, contact one of these supports for transgender-specific guidance:

• Trans Health Klinic
• Trans Lifeline

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.