Centre for Human Rights launches anti-racism Talk Shop Series

Talkshop featured image
Talkshop featured image

A new event series addressing racial discrimination and harassment will launch at York University this fall as a part of the Centre for Human Rights (CHR) anti-racism program.

York U's Centre for Human Rights brings a new anti-racism workshop series to campus, starting Sept. 16
York U’s Centre for Human Rights brings a new anti-racism workshop series to campus, starting Sept. 16

The Talk Shop Series kicks off Sept. 16, featuring five lunchtime workshops that explore different topics related to racism and human rights.

Each session runs 1.5 hours and gives participants the opportunity to interview key York U experts on human rights issues relating to working and learning environments.

According to CHR, the goal of the series is to “increase dialogue on these issues and move towards establishing programs and practices through an intersectional approach that supports the elimination of individual and systemic racial barriers.”

During the session, the discussion is guided by the participants to encourage dialogue with their colleagues. The forum is designed to promote the sharing best of practices and the development of strategies and solutions to respond to issues related to racism and human rights.

The Talk Shop Series will run as follows:

  • Sept. 16 – Dos & Don’ts: Race & Inclusion in Work Environment;
  • Sept. 22 – Teaching with Racial Diversity in Mind;
  • Oct. 8 – Understanding and Addressing Microaggressions (Subtle Discrimination);
  • Oct. 29 – Culture as Halloween Costumes: When has the line been crossed?; and
  • Nov. 24 – Critical Conversations on Employment Equity.

All sessions feature different guest speakers and take place from 11:30am to to 1pm at either the Kaneff Tower or York Lanes (see individual session details at rights.info.yorku.ca/events).

The CHR encourages administrative units, faculty and student groups to incorporate these workshops into their fall professional development programs. Classes are also welcome to attend, and organizers should contact Yvonne Chiu at chiuyv@yorku.ca to register a class or team.

Individuals can register for a Talk Shop session at yorku.ca/rights/forms/view.php?id=28.