BLSA Canada Statement: Jordan Afolabi and Anti-Black Racism

Black Law Students’ Association of Canada 40 King Street West, Suite 5800 Toronto, ON M5H 3S1 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Re:      Jordan Afolabi and Anti-Black Racism at the University of Windsor The Black Law Student’s Association of Canada (BLSA Canada) is deeply concerned and disappointed in the University of Windsor’s treatment of racialized students on their campus and the events that precipitated the prejudicial academic suspension of Mr. Jordan Afolabi. We fully support the Black Law Students’ Association of Windsor and their demand for unconscious and conscious biases training for all University staff in an effort to address systemic, anti-Black racism. In February of 2019, Mr. Afolabi was the victim of an unprovoked attack. Although an investigation determined Mr. Afolabi’s actions were purely in self-defence, he was villainized and a year later, his access to campus property continues to be restricted. As an institution charged with providing education, the University and its administration have a duty to create a safe environment through the fair and equal treatment of all students. It is apparent that the University is currently ill-equipped to discharge its societal obligations in a manner that is sensitive to cultural difference. It is imperative that staff acknowledge the adverse impact of their actions and take immediate action to ensure such misconduct ceases to occur in the future. Yours in Solidarity, The 2019-2020 BLSA Canada Executive Josh Lokko National President University of Toronto, Faculty of Law Elsa Kaka National Secretary University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law Star Deak National Chair Osgoode Hall Law School Reshida Darrell National Director of Communications University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law Charles Campbell National Treasurer University of Windsor, Faculty of Law Shequille Rollocks National Director of Advocacy University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law Tiana Knight National Conference Chair University of Windsor, Faculty of Law Latisha Dias-Sénat National Francophone Representative University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law Jemmy Erhiaganoma National Mentorship Representative McGill, Faculty of Law Novalee Davy National Issac Moot Director University of Toronto, Faculty of Law Elsir Tawfik National Chapter Representative University of British Columbia, Peter A. Allard School of Law