IDERD 2025: Perspectives from South Asian Community Members
Date:
Venue:Spring/Summer Room, Events Centre, Progress Campus and Zoom
March 21 is globally marked as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), serving as an annual reminder of the urgent need to unite against all forms of racism and uphold and protect the human rights of all people.
For IDERD 2025, Centennial College will honour the perspectives of South Asian community members while examining the rapid rise of anti-South Asian racism across Canada and its implications for higher education. This event is open to all Centennial College community members in the spirit of cross-cultural learning.
Lived Experience: Barriers and Triumphs
South Asian students and employees will share the barriers and triumphs they have experienced while navigating anti-South Asian racism in higher education spaces and beyond. Attendees will develop a deeper understanding of South Asian experiences in higher education, consequences for the College community, and opportunities to advance equity and inclusion.
Keynote Address: Sunil Gurmukh
Keynote speaker Sunil Gurmukh, Assistant Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization at Western Law, will engage in conversation about critical issues affecting South Asian communities. Amid rising anti-immigrant rhetoric and increasing Islamophobia, South Asians in Canada face a growing tide of hate, including online hate and hate crimes. They are blamed for Canada’s affordability and housing crisis while being pushed into the low-wage gig economy. They must also contend with the importation of casteism, a system of discrimination. Attendees will walk away with practical tips, drawing on Sunil’s lived experiences and work as a human rights lawyer, professor and leader.
In-person attendance is encouraged as guest speakers will be onsite and South Asian inspired lunch will be served. Virtual attendance and live closed captioning will also be available.