N.L.'s Memorial University apologizes for anti-Black racism after slur used in course
Delores Mullings says she was not surprised by a video posted to social media this week that appears to show an instructor at Memorial University using the N-word as part of an online lecture.
Nor does Mullings, who is the university's first vice-provost of equity, diversity and inclusion, want to vilify the professor in the video who used the slur.
"We have an education system that's built on colonialism, racism and anti-Black racism," Mullings, who is also a professor of social work, said in an interview Friday. "So what can we expect from professors when they're educated in that way?"
She added: "That's why we need to change the system."
In the video posted to Twitter Wednesday night, a teacher says the N-word as part of an online lecture discussing the power of words. The word is also spelled out as an example of derogatory terms on a slide entitled "Systems of Power and Languages."
The school responded the next morning on Twitter: "We are deeply sorry this happened. It is not acceptable and should not be a part of any course material," the university said, adding that it would immediately begin an investigation. Officials apologized again in a statement emailed on Thursday.
"We are deeply sorry our students experienced anti-Black racism in a classroom," spokesman David Sorensen wrote. "Anti-Black racism is a systemic issue, and Memorial is committed to redressing anti-Black racism, and to fostering Black inclusion on our campuses, and in our curriculum."
Mullings said it is her understanding the lecture is from an undergraduate anthropology course, though a university spokesperson would not confirm this.
Last November, dozens of universities across the country signed on to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion, a pledge to address anti-Black racism. The document requires those signing it to respect certain principles as they develop action plans to foster Black inclusion.
Memorial was among the signatories, and Mullings said she's confident the school is working to implement the charter and address anti-Black racism. She said she also has faith the lecture and its implications won't be swept under the rug.
Though she cautions: "This is not a one-day thing."
The racial slur in the lecture needs to be used as a learning opportunity, Mullings added. "The N-word, no matter when it's used or how it's used by somebody who is not of an African heritage, is wrong. Period," she said.
Sobia Shaikh, co-chair of the Anti-Racism Coalition of Newfoundland and Labrador, agrees. She said in an interview Thursday the video underscores the need for racial literacy among educators at all levels, and for anti-racist educational reform.
Shaikh said there are no circumstances in which someone should use a slur to describe a community they aren't part of.
"There's some learning there for all of us as educators," she said, adding she was heartened by Memorial's prompt response.
She noted the video was posted in the same week the province's Grade 9 social studies curriculum was found to espouse racist myths about immigrants and refugees, prompting Education Minister Tom Osborne to say he was very concerned and that the course would be reviewed.
"This really calls to the need for racial literacy for many of us who are in the public sector," said Shaikh, who is also an assistant professor of social work at Memorial.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 28, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.