On Sept. 1st, over 400 Bishop’s student-athletes and athletics staff met in Centennial Theatre for an educational seminar held by the Student-Athlete Anti-Racism and Discrimination Committee (ARDC). The ARDC is a student-led committee that frequently creates events for the Bishop’s University community to come together and discuss how racism and discrimination are at play in various facets of life. Through sharing resources, collaborating with like-minded groups on campus, and celebrating BIPOC excellence, the ARDC aims to lead a change through anti-racism and discrimination to create a more educated, supportive, and unified community.        

The purpose of the ARDC’s most recent event was to increase knowledge about racism and discrimination in sport, life, and leadership. Further, by stating that the presentation would be based in positivity and empowerment, the event prompted audience members to reflect on their personal experiences and perceptions without harsh judgment. In addition to establishing a safe environment for audience members, the presenters focused on increasing knowledge by discussing topics such as inequity in sport, allyship, advocacy, and the importance of accessibility and representation.

Notably, the seminar was not triggered by any particular event. Members of the committee felt it was important for all student-athletes and athletics staff to attend an educational seminar where they could learn how to lead as anti-racists both within and outside of sport. The reason for focusing on this group is because our Gaiters athletes and staff are well-known as leaders on campus. Therefore, taking a collective, open stance against racism and discrimination as an institution can create waves of positive change across the Bishop’s community.

As a co-lead on this committee, alongside Emily Whalley of the cheerleading team, I am thrilled with how this event turned out. Although we are not experts on race and discrimination ourselves, we worked very hard throughout the last six months or so to ensure that the information we presented was current and valid. Based on the positive comments and feedback we have received in the few days since the event, we are strongly considering implementing an annual ARDC education event for all student-athletes and athletics staff to continue the change. We believe that through holding ourselves and our peers accountable to a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination, the tools learned from these events can continue to positively affect the Gaiter community for years to come.

Moving forward from this event, the ARDC plans to create a discussion and education-based event for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Should you need additional support, please contact Student Services at studentservices@ubishops.ca

Looking to get involved with the ARDC? Send us an email at gaiters.ardc@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @gaitersardc.