Please watch and share this video!
Dear friends,
On April 5, 2023, Lydia Dosu appeared at a press conference where she shared detailed allegations of anti-Black racism against York University, including acts of race-based harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
On January 31, 2023, York's administration fired Lydia, a Black woman who has worked at the University for over 24 years. In 2019, Lydia filed a complaint at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), regarding her experience of anti-Black racism and discrimination in the workplace at Glendon College. Lydia's complaint, which remains unresolved, is just one of at least eight known HRTO applications about anti-Black racism at York in recent years.
Other speakers at the press conference included:
Deena Ladd: Founder and Executive Director, Workers' Action Centre (press conference chair)
Ron Franklin: Human rights lawyer and legal counsel to Lydia Dosu
Adaeze Mbalaja: President, York Federation of Students
Nathi Zamisa: President, York University Graduate Students' Association
Dr. Laura Mae Lindo: ONDP Member of Provincial Parliament (Kitchener Centre); Inaugural Chair, ONDP Black Caucus; and Official Opposition Critic for Anti-Racism and Equity
Marie Clarke Walker: Former Secretary-Treasurer and Executive Vice-President, Canadian Labour Congress; and Representative, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
During the press conference, the speakers launched an online petition in support of Lydia and demanding her immediate reinstatement. Please sign and share the petition here.
In its termination letter, York made the outrageous claim that Lydia represents a "health and safety risk" to other (non-Black) employees for filing complaints about anti-Black racism.
York based its decision on a report by an investigator who is facing allegations of anti-Black racism and discrimination at the HRTO since 2020, along with York University President Rhonda Lenton and other senior administrators.
The media advisory for the press conference is available here.
Please support Lydia by making a donation to her campaign here.
Join the campaign to support Lydia! Email againstantiblackracism@gmail.com.
Comments