Creating space for understanding and complexity

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we are pleased to share upcoming opportunities for meaningful dialogue that advances mutual respect and compassion for all people.

The Listening, Learning, Leading series, organized by the Office of Equity Transformation, creates space on our campuses for engagement and discussion on difficult and complex topics. It aims to build foundations for understanding, beyond polarization.

“As a university, UM must model what it means to move into complexity,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “We can and should take a leadership role to establish spaces for active listening and learning without expectation of agreement or resolution. Anti-Muslim racism, antisemitism, anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, anti-Asian and other forms of racism are perpetuated through dehumanization, simplified generalizations, and lack of understanding of the ways historical and ongoing hatred and discrimination impact people and communities. Providing opportunities for listening and learning builds a foundation for understanding and acceptance of diversity of opinion and of people, and helps create accountable and inclusive communities.”

There are two upcoming events in the Listening, Learning, Leading series, taking place at the Fort Garry campus.

Centering Humanity: Human Rights Frameworks in times of Violence, Discrimination and Hatred

March 28, 2024 at 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Moderator, Tina Chen, will lead discussion from a panel of experts:

• Karen Sharma, Executive Director, Manitoba Human Rights Commission
• Nathan Derejko, Mauro Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice, University of Manitoba
• Art Miki, CM, OM, Japanese-Canadian activist, former MB Citizenship Judge
• Lionel Steiman, Senior Scholar, History, University of Manitoba (TBC)

Register for the ‘Centering Humanity’, March 28 session now.

Teaching Israel-Gaza War and the Middle East: A Conversation with Tami Jacoby

April 11, 2024 at 12 to 1 p.m.

Dr. Jacoby, UM professor of Political Studies, has been teaching Middle East politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict for roughly 30 years. She has published widely on Middle East-related topics and spent considerable time studying, working and living in Jerusalem.

Register for the ‘Teaching Israel-Gaza War and the Middle East’, April 11 session now.

Registration is required for both events and all panelists, participants and audience members will agree to the Community Accountability Guidelines at the time of registration. To ensure a safe space for dialogue, recording of events by attendees will not be permitted.

Learn more about the Listening, Learning, Leading series, and other opportunities for your learning journey at the Office of Equity Transformation Learning and Engagement webpage.