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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.