York U's Centre for Human Rights brings a new anti-racism workshop series to campus, starting Sept. 16
The first of five sessions in the Centre for Human Rights’ (CHR) Antiracism Talkshop Series will kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 16 with a discussion on racial discrimination in the workplace.
Led by Grace Permaul, a case resolution adviser with CHR, the inaugural session titled Do’s & Don’t’s: Race & Inclusion in Work Environment will give participants a deeper understand of how to identify discriminatory acts based on race.
It will explore how organizations can take proactive steps to ensure they are not participating in, condoning or allowing racial discrimination or harassment.
The session will also address participants’ responsibilities as York U community members to address these behaviors based on the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Permaul, a lawyer who has practiced primarily in the areas of human rights law and labour and employment law, has a strong interest in Indigenous people and cultures. She is the former chair of the Aboriginal Law Section at the Canadian Bar Association-Ontario and is currently a member of the City of Markham Race Relations Committee. She received a BA from McGill University, a JD from Columbia Law School., and a LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School.
The Antiracism Talkshop session takes place at 626 Kaneff Tower.
The next sessions will run on:
- 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?
- Nov. 24 – Critical Conversations on Employment Equity.
All sessions feature different guest speakers (see individual session details at rights.info.yorku.ca/events).
CHR encourages administrative units, faculty and student groups to incorporate these workshops into their fall professional development program. 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 Talkshop session at www.yorku.ca/rights/forms/view.php?id=28.