Statement on the Scholars Strike by Provost Anthony Vannelli

This week, academics from across North America have organized a Scholar Strike to protest anti-Black and anti-Indigenous violence and racism. This two-day event, held on September 9 and 10, encourages university faculty, students, and staff to participate in whatever way they can in a series of online teach-ins to build understanding of this important issue and to call for racial justice and an end to anti-Black and anti-Indigenous violence.

Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as part of its core values, and understands that the effective creation and dissemination of new knowledge must take place in an academic community that recognizes the dignity and value of each and every one of its students, staff, and faculty members.

In order to achieve concrete progress in combatting racism and to hold the university accountable to its EDI goals, Laurier has developed an action plan for equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigeneity. I also encourage everyone to join us at the upcoming Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Information Session on Wednesday, September 16, at 3:30 p.m.

As part of that commitment, Laurier supports faculty, staff, and students in participating in the digital teach-ins and other events being organized as part of the Scholar Strike. These events are an opportunity to build a broader understanding and commitment to ending racism and to engage in meaningful dialogue about ways that the Laurier community can do more to build an inclusive community.

Participation in Scholar Strike activities is voluntary, and so on September 10 (the first day of classes of the fall term) classes will proceed as scheduled.

For those who do wish to participate:

• Faculty: if you decide to incorporate Scholar Strike content into some or all of your class time on September 10, be clear about how and when you will set class expectations and parameters for the semester (as would normally be done the first day). Please provide flexibility and understanding to students who choose to participate in Scholar Strike sessions.
• Students: students should not be disadvantaged if they choose to participate. If students miss class time due to participating in a Scholar Strike session, instructors are encouraged to be flexible in allowing them to cover the missed course content in other ways.
• Staff: staff who would like to participate should discuss it in advance with their manager. Managers/leaders, please be as accommodating as possible with all requests to participate. Staff will not be required to use leave time to participate in the events.