CBU Stands in Solidarity Against Injustice and Racism

To the University community,

In recent days, like many of you, I have watched and read news coverage of anti-racism protests across the United States and in Canada, precipitated by the brutal and senseless killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

There is no place in our world for violence and discrimination, and Cape Breton University stands in solidarity with the courageous Black voices and allies denouncing and condemning anti-Black racism in the United States and here in Canada. The recent deaths, have once again shed light on the continued systemic violence and oppression experienced by Black communities.

As a university bringing together students from more than 50 countries from around the world, and with our CBU values firmly celebrating diversity and inclusivity, we take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to human rights and equality. We, as Canadians, take pride in having a multi-cultural society.

A movement has ignited around initiatives like Black Lives Matter, and it reflects a combination of both historical and contemporary injustices. It is clear that what has been done in the past to try and put an end to these types of injustices has failed. As a community, and as individuals, we need to do our part to eradicate prejudice, intolerance and racism for good. We can not just think about doing something when a tragedy like this strikes, we have to act and work to make positive change each and every day and in all that we do.

As a post-secondary institution committed to embracing differences and learning from each other, we as a campus community hope for justice for those affected and for an end to prejudice once and for all. We will do our part.

We offer peace and healing for all humanity and particularly those who are suffering.

Yours very truly,

David C. Dingwall

President and Vice-Chancellor