Most anti-Black racism recommendations completed at UWindsor, but some still waiting for more action

The University of Windsor says it has completed nearly 90 per cent of the anti-Black racism recommendations stemming from a special task force on campus, but some are pushing for more progress.

The task force began its work in late 2020 following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the Black Lives Matter protests that ensued and a high-profile case that resulted in UWindsor apologizing to a Black student. The recommendations were submitted to the university in the fall of 2021.

“That really helped ignite efforts to address anti-Black racism at this level,” said Marium Tolson-Murtty, the director in the office of human rights, conflict resolution and mediation at the University of Windsor.

“I’m not saying we’re there completely just yet or things are perfect, but some strides have been made which I’m very proud of,” she added.

More scholarships are now available for Black students, the university’s Black Scholars Institute was established, more Black faculty was hired and a new Black student support coordinator position was created — all stemming from the recommendations.

Tolson-Murtty said another noticeable impact of the changes is the “resurgence” of Black student groups on campus because they feel “more of a sense of belonging.”

As part of Tolson-Murtty’s role, she also handles complaints and investigations from students who experience racism.

She said there’s been an uptick in the number of those instances of racism being reported to her office “only because students feel comfortable.”

“There’s not the need to feel that they have to remain silent,” said Tolson-Murtty. “If there