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Montreal, July 12, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) commends the University of Windsor for its progressive stance upholding decolonization values as reflected through its recent agreement with student activists. This agreement, a direct outcome of persistent student-led encampments, mandates the University of Windsor to undertake multiple significant actions. These include the partial disclosure of investments that impact Palestinian rights, the assurance of free expression for pro-Palestinian advocacy on campus, the establishment of an anti-oppression resource website, and mandatory training on anti-Palestinian racism and antisemitism. This comprehensive approach not only acknowledges the rights of Palestinians but also aligns the university's operations with international human rights standards.

While the agreement is not without its compromises, it represents a crucial acknowledgment of the human rights of Palestinians and the legitimate role of academia in supporting oppressed populations globally. "This agreement, while not perfect, is a testament to the power of student activism and the U. of Windsor administration’s willingness to listen and act in a principled manner. It ensures that advocacy for Palestinian rights is not conflated with hate speech, and it promises protection rather than punishment for those fighting against oppression," said Jamila Ewais, Lead Researcher at ARPCF. Such commitments to human rights, including fighting against Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism, and anti-Arab racism, underscore the importance of institutional support to the community.

The University of Windsor's agreement to include anti-Palestinian racism in its educational and operational policies marks a significant advancement in academic freedom and the rights of pro-Palestine students. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Canada, commits the university to developing resources and training programs that address anti-Palestinian racism. By doing so, the university not only protects free speech related to Palestine but also strengthens the academic integrity of research and discussions concerning Palestinian issues and occupation. Moreover, this agreement's provisions for mental health support, the appointment of a Palestinian Student Support Advisor, and the initiative to train all counseling staff in racial and trauma-informed practices are indicative of the university's commitment to the well-being of its students, particularly those affected by the Nakba and the Israeli occupation.

The ARPCF calls on the University of Windsor to remain steadfast in its commitments to students. As the university has historically stood against apartheid in South Africa, the ARPCF urges it to apply the same principles to the Palestinian context. At the same time, the university should reject any attempts at outside interference in its government and institutional decisions.

About the ARPCF – The mandate of the Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is to create public awareness about racism in Canada.  This mandate falls in line with the Foundation’s broader purpose of monitoring and combating manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination by increasing public awareness of such biases.

For more information, please contact Jamila Ewais, 514-389-8668
ARPCF, [email protected]  www.cjpmefoundation.org

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