#BlackLivesMatter

The University of Victoria Students’ Society stands with Black and Indigenous communities and People of Colour in the United States, Canada, and around the world. 

Even though most of us live outside of the United States, we are all implicated in systems of oppression that benefit white folks at the expense of Black and Indigenous folks, and People of Colour (BIPOC). 

Canada is marked by historical and ongoing systems of colonialism that have forced Indigenous peoples from their lands, homes, and families, and have led to inequities within our education, child welfare, and health care systems. 

Canada is also defined by violence against Black bodies and communities of colour that leads to racial profiling, the over-policing of BIPOC peoples, and their over-representation in our prison systems. We recognize the effects of anti-Black racism and colonialism. We acknowledge the trauma of repeated images of violence against racialized folks in the media.

As Board members, we hold immense privilege and the power to take collective action, support Black communities and students, and challenge our own systems and institutions. We stand in solidarity with our members who demand an end to police brutality and the ongoing violence against BIPOC people.

We don’t presume to know what BIPOC folks need and we have a duty to support them. We will plan events with, provide financial support for, and lift up the voices of our marginalized members. We continue to learn from UVSS Advocacy Groups and thank them for holding us to a higher standard.

We encourage our members to prioritize BIPOC voices, practice anti-racist allyship and seek out additional educational resources about racial injustice and white supremacy. 

With respect and care,

Caleb, Dalal, Emily, Sarina, and Sebastian
2020-2021 UVSS Lead Directors