More black profs needed at U of O, students say

Some of the dozens of studentsat a town hall on racism on the University of Ottawa's campus said there aren't enough black professors there to make black students feel welcome.

"I have professors tell me I'm too dark to sit in the back and they can't see me," said Jade Sullivan, 21, the first student to speak to the crowd at the Wednesday night event that included presidentJacques Frmont.

After her remarks, Sullivan told CBCshe hasn't had a single black professor during her time at the university.

"I'vebeen taking five to sixcourses every semester for three years That says a lot. And I'min two different faculties, so Ishould have at least run into one."

Student groups and university educators have been urging the schoolto take a tougher stance on racism, following two high-profile incidentsthis year whereblack students were treated unfairly on campus.

A report into the first said race was a factor and the security guard involved in the second no longer works on campus.

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Luciana White, 20, said she's happy to see the university president holding town hall events, but there is still more work to be done.

"When I walk the streets of this university, Isee a lot of black students and the blackcommunity is producing a lot of academics," she said.

"Sothe onus is not on the black community to create more academics, because that is happening. I truly believe the onus is on the administration."

The town hall is part of Frmont's initiative calledthe Presidential Advisory Committee for a Discrimination-Free Campus.

The committee will takemajor themes from itand othertown halls,then offer recommendations.

Other students who spoke at the event shared stories of racism and discrimination they have experienced on campus.

Dami Mafe, a fourth-year international student from Nigeria, said she feels the university doesn't do enough to help black students thrive.

"It's very demoralizing. [In Ottawa],I'm black. Here,because of the colour of my skin, I'mtreated differently Back home, I'mjust a woman but then here it's like, I'mjust black."

Students calling on University of Ottawa to hire more black professors

5 years ago

Duration 1:05

Jade Sullivan, a third year student taking a double major at the University of Ottawa, says she's never had a black professor despite studying across two different faculties.