Building Post-Pandemic-Inclusive Communities: Analyzing Responses to Anti-Asian Racism at 96 Canadian Universities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Discourses and Responses to Critical Issues

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed a global rise in xenophobia, nationalism, and populism. In Canada, Asian international students or students of Asian origin have suffered from Anti-Asian racism (AAR) which highlights a pressing need for universities to take action in building inclusive, healthy communities. This study examined how universities responded to the AAR by examining policy documents from 96 universities across Canada. The findings highlighted the variety of actions taken by Canadian universities to combat AAR. These actions included identifying the roots of white supremacy and settler colonialism; connecting with international AAR efforts; and linking AAR policies with broader Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) policies. Our research provides best practices for universities in building inclusive, anti-racist, post-pandemic communities.

Authors

• Leping Mou, University of Toronto

• Michael O'Shea, University of Toronto