Eliminating racial discrimination

March 21st was declared "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discriminations" in 1966 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The UN selected this day to commemorate sixty nine black South Africans who were shot in Sharpeville on March 21st, 1960 while peacefully demonstrating against the country’s apartheid system. In addition to the sixty nine people killed, one hundred and eighty were wounded.

Racial discrimination has not yet been overcome; there is clearly more work to be done. Recognizing the contribution of those who have gone before us, in Sharpeville and elsewhere, is an important start. But to move forward, we need to do more.

This year, Canada’s Governor-General, Michaëlle Jean, will hold the first ever Student Forum "From the Abolition of the Slave Trade to the Elimination of Racial Discrimination", at Rideau Hall, on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. 2007 has been chosen to commemorate the Bicentenary of the Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and the intent of the forum is to pursue a dialogue around abolition and the elimination of racial discrimination. Students will be invited express their views on the best strategies to eradicate racism.

The group Action Week Against Racism uses a variety of ways to provide insight into racism and supplies tools to fight it. Their theme this year is "Racism. It’s Pointless." You can view their promotional video at YouTube.

CEIU is committed to eliminating racism in the workplace, in wider society and in the union. Our Human Rights / Race Relations Committee is responsible for charting initiatives aimed at eliminating racial discrimination, but all of us are responsible for taking the steps needed to reach that goal.

In solidarity,

Jeannette Meunier-McKay
National President