Anti-racism programming proposal dropped over ‘political and divisive’ concerns: MCC
Officials with the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) say they have decided to withdraw their proposal to lead a community anti-racism initiative because it has become “political and divisive.”
The proposal was presented by MCC executive director Kathleen Thomas at the July 19 meeting of Windsor City Council.
The “Our City, Our Culture” anti-racism proposal was approved and accepted by council, but the agency says it now feels the project has become political and divisive, no longer reflecting the spirit, intent, and purpose of the initiative.
“What council was presented with, was a proposal; an opportunity to join us in developing a comprehensive community-wide anti-racism initiative,” says Thomas. “It is unfortunate that this initiative has now become divisive, when our goal was to bring people together. The very heart of this proposal was inclusion.
Thomas adds as an apolitical organization, they feel it is in their best interest to remove themselves from the process and proceed on their own.
“We’re concerned! We don’t know what the agenda is,” the chair of Windsor's diversity committee, Peter Ijeh says.
Ijeh says some of the group’s volunteer members are contemplating quitting over the controversy, saying the process in and of itself is problematic, telling CTV News there has been a lack of conversation from the city about anti-racism with his group.
“The colonialist mentality the oppressive language that we’re going to tell you how things aught to be done,” Ijeh explains, “We cannot have an environment where people feel that they are being marginalized and further marginalized in the process.”
Ijeh hopes the pause on the proposed programming will allow for meaningful discussion between the City of Windsor, and community groups combating racism.
“The MCC is really good at doing those multicultural things in those regards, but MCC has no clue what anti-racism is,” Ijeh says.
The MCC says it will continue to combat racism, prejudice, and discrimination in all forms in Windsor-Essex. Officials say they will work along-side community partners to ensure the valuable initiatives presented in this proposal are able to reach the people who need it most.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens issued a statement about the MCC decision:
“It is truly sad that the Multicultural Council of Windsor (MCC) felt that they had to withdraw from delivering on the important work associated with the City of Windsor’s anti-racism initiative. In recent weeks, the comments made to denigrate the work of the MCC and their staff crossed the line and took on an increasingly personal and nasty tone.
Despite the strong majority of Council endorsing the proposal, efforts to undermine the anti-racism initiative forced the MCC to decline additional funding. The immediate result will be a delay in proceeding with bursaries, academic scholarships, mentorships and grants to support minority-run small businesses.
After the events of the past year, our goal was to take action to combat racism in all its forms and to generate tangible results for marginalized communities. The proposal put forward by the MCC reflected dozens of conversations with diverse stakeholder groups in Windsor and proposed meaningful steps, suggested by local individuals and grassroots organizations.
Council will need to decide how to administer the allocated resources which were first set-aside during the 2021 City budget, but it is clear that additional work will be required prior to deciding how to proceed.”
- With files from CTV Windsor's Chris Campbell.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.