The Department of Zoology at UBC stands in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter and we absolutely condemn anti-Black and other forms of racism in Canada and the world.
Our statement:
"The Department of Zoology at UBC stands with the Black Lives Matter movement, and we absolutely condemn anti-Black and other forms of racism. We are appalled at the killing of George Floyd and the many other cases of police violence against Black people, Indigenous people and visible minorities. We applaud the many courageous individuals who are demanding a better society. Violence and racial inequities are experienced acutely by communities here in Canada and racial inequity is also present in science and academics. As a science department, it is with continuing sadness that we recognize that racism presents barriers to young people entering and flourishing in scientific careers. We have much work to do in order to ensure greater equity in science and to eliminate systemic discrimination and institutional biases. We commit to continuing and amplifying our efforts to build a diverse and inclusive environment for scientific research, teaching, and learning. We thank the dedicated people both in our department and all over the world who are standing up for all people to have equal opportunity to live free and thrive. Together with them, we insist that the world learns from and remembers the sacrifices of George Floyd and countless other victims of racism. We demand and commit to change."
In parallel with these words, we will continue to work closely with Associate Dean, Equity and Diversity in the UBC Faculty of Science Ninan Abraham and other Equity and Diversity experts here at UBC to act on the commitments that we have made and how we as a Department can make the necessary positive changes.