Anti-Racism

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (2025) 

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) is observed annually on March 21st. This date marks the 1960 Sharpeville and Langa Massacre in South Africa where 69 people were killed and 180 injured with countless others traumatized by the violence enacted on a group of peaceful protestors who stood against the anti-Black “pass laws.” These laws, enacted in 1952, required all Black South Africans over the age of 16 to carry a book called a dompas, at all times, containing their fingerprints, photograph, employment record (including behavioral evaluations) and permission from the government to be in a particular place within the country. snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College recognizes and honors the Sharpeville protestors who bravely fought against the apartheid regime’s injustices. Please see below for the names of the protestors slain on March 21st, 1960.

Indigenous people in Canada, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people whose unceded territory our campus resides on, experienced and continue to be impacted by similar colonial and discriminatory regulations including Status Cards, the Pass System and Blood Quantum. 

In 1979, the United Nations declared March 21st to be the IDERD in all states, including Canada, in solidarity with resistance movements fighting against racism and racial discrimination. It also acknowledged the significance of the Sharpeville Massacre as part of that same struggle. 

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of IDERD and reflects on the commitment it made in 1979. The Government acknowledges that, yes, some progress has been made, but much has yet to be realized in order to achieve the ultimate goal of equity. In particular, the legacy and continuity of colonial systems and individual mindsets, which operate in opposition to Indigenous peoples’ and other racialized communities’ ways of being, through government actions and laws. snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara, as an institution and community, must, too, self-examine its complicities and complexities in relation to the spirit of IDERD and ask itself: What is next?  

The UN recommends that we reflect and focus this question on the theme of this year’s IDERD, “60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Racial of Discrimination (ICERD).” As the first of the UN's core international human rights treaties, ICERD set the stage for future human rights advancements. Its commitment to eliminating racial discrimination and promoting equity underpins the ongoing fight against racist ideas and practices, aiming to foster global understanding and unity free from racial segregation. Learn more about the Convention. 

The 60th anniversary of ICERD calls for reflection on progress made against racial discrimination while highlighting ongoing challenges. It’s a time to reaffirm commitments to equity and continue efforts to eliminate racism, ensuring fair treatment for every individual and community.

Below is a list of actions you can make as an individual to fight against racism, discrimination and xenophobia, as recommended by the Government of Canada and snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office: 

1. Educate ourselves and others about the history and ongoing issues of racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada to increase awareness and understanding of these issues. Check out this podcast to learn how cognitive biases can perpetuate systemic racism: Eh Sayers Season 2, Episode 1 - Created Equal. 
2. Speak out (if safe to do so) against racism, discrimination, and xenophobia when you encounter it. This can be done by calling out racist or discriminatory behavior and language, and by standing in solidarity with those who are being targeted. 
3. Support Indigenous peoples and racialized and religious minority communities by listening to and amplifying their voices, and by supporting organizations and initiatives that work towards racial equality. 
4. Encourage anti-racism and racial equality, in all areas of life, including in the workplace, schools, and communities, and promote policies and initiatives that support these values. 
5. Reviewing and utilizing the anti-racism resources below.  

snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓’s continued commitment to the principles of IDERD begins with: 

1. The creation of the EDI Framework and its operationalization 
2. Enhancing intercultural competencies amongst students and employees 
3. Expanding and deepening engagement and advocacy with community partners (e.g. Indigenous Nations and other equity deserving communities) 
4. Mitigating environmental racism by increasing sustainability on campus 
5. Establishing of revenue-generation strategies to provide financial support for Indigenous communities  

snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ is committed to the journey of learning and unlearning and implementing more positive changes to reduce barriers for individuals and communities. snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ knows that this work will not end until equality is achieved, discrimination is eliminated, and hate is replaced with radical acceptance.  

More Resources

UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

• UN: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Events, Courses, Webinars

• National Defence International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Event 2025
• Recorded Webinar - UBC Anti-racism Speaker Series with Anthonia Ogundele & Family 
• Recorded Webinar - UBC Anti-racism Speaker Series with Dr. Margaret Moss 
• Recorded Webinar - Beyond Sinophobia & Anti-Asian Racism in Canada-China Relations
• UBC Open Online Course - Historical, Systemic and Intersectional Anti-racism: From Awareness to Action

Resources & Support Services

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion has put together some resources for both employees and students should anyone experience or witness a racist incident on campus. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but to be a resource of support and information for our community. If you have suggestions for articles, podcasts, webinars, events, etc., we invite you to contact our office at edioffice@langara.ca.