U of S recognizes International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Posted March 21, 2000


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 21, 2000 2000-03-11-OTHER

U of S recognizes International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The University of Saskatchewan is recognizing March 21st, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, through a series of activities on campus.

Peter MacKinnon, President, extended his thanks to members of the University community who participate in and support anti-racism initiatives. His recent President's Message states "by working together to Stand Up Against Racism, we can create a world where human dignity, fairness, and diversity are valued and celebrated. "

MacKinnon, along with Associate Vice-President Vera Pezer, Acting U of S International Director Gordon Barnhart, and USSU President Sean Junor will be participating in the Stand Up Against Racism event the morning of March 21st (see below).

March 21st activities are coordinated by the March 21st Planning Committee, co-chaired by Carole Pond, Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services coordinator, and Kurt Tischler, international student advisor.

"We want the on- and off-campus community to be aware of the importance this institution places on providing an environment that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds," Pond said.

"By taking part in March 21st activities, we support the values outlined in the University's mission statement."

The University of Saskatchewan has recognized the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination annually since 1989.

This year's activities have been scheduled as follows:

  • March 13th - 24th

    * Book Display
    8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., U of S Bookstore

  • March 21st

    * Stand Up Against Racism Event
    8:10 - 8:40 a.m, Place Riel/Arts Tunnel
    - President Peter MacKinnon, Associate Vice-President Vera Pezer, Acting U of S International Director Gordon Barnhart, and USSU President Sean Junor will be participating in this activity.

    * March 21st Hershey Hugs, Stickers, & Information
    Student Affairs and Services
    8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Information Kiosk, Lower Place Riel

    * Aboriginal Dance Performance
    Indigenous Student Council
    1- 2 p.m., Lower Place Riel

    * The Justice of Aboriginal Land Settlements
    12 noon - 1 p.m., St. Thomas More College Auditorium
    - Mr. Tom Molloy, Chief Negotiator for the Government of Canada, will be providing a free public lecture.

    * Film and Discussion Period
    University Chaplains
    2:30 - 4:30 p.m., St. Thomas More Auditorium

  • March 22nd

    * The Aboriginal Partnership Agreement
    Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association (ASPA)
    12 noon - 1 p.m., Room 183 Thorvaldson Building
    - Kathy Gray and Charlotte Ross will lead a presentation and discussion.

    * Forum on Employment Equity
    U of S Faculty Association
    2 - 4 p.m., Room 299 Main Library - President MacKinnon and Dr. Chandrakant Shah, University of Toronto, will lead the discussion.

Further information is available in the University of Saskatchewan's March 21st website at www.usask.ca/march21/.

For more information, please contact:

Carole Pond
Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services
University of Saskatchewan
966-4936

Rob Norris
University of Saskatchewan International
966-2428