Brock University in St. Catharines, ON, has brought back segregation by setting up study meetings for racialized students only. .“We know BIPOC students are historically underrepresented in academic spaces in general and had less opportunities in terms of getting to university,” said Brock curriculum development specialist Ashley Grover in a blog post. .“Feeling welcomed and supported academically in the study hall and throughout the University is just one of the ways we are trying to address that.”.The blog post said racialized people are invited to this study hall in the Student Success Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It said the program features tutoring from fourth-year students who can assist participants with study habits and questions they might have as they work on their assignments..The blog post went on to say the space is a welcoming environment for students looking for a supportive venue to finish their work. Grover said it is part of ongoing efforts by Brock to address inequity in post-secondary education and were developed in collaboration with the university’s Hadiyadagenhahs First Nations, Metis and Inuit Student Centre and the BIPOC Caucus..Brock peer tutor Vibhash Balasundaram said he was keen to become involved when he heard about the chance to help out..“I think this initiative is important because it gives us the opportunity to relate to one another at a level that many of us may not have tapped into, building rich bonds that celebrate our similar differences and enhancing the student experience of Brock’s BIPOC community,” said Balasundaram. .The blog post said the study hall welcomes various on-campus offices to provide more tailored resources during particular weeks and offers snacks and refreshments. .Grover said this idea stemmed from conversations occurring during Brock’s racialized people community social. .“Being in that room and the sense of community and joy made us realize we could have that in a drop-in space, and it would be so valuable for students,” she said..The University of Toronto engaged in segregation in September by allowing marginalized communities to enter its job fair earlier than the start time. .READ MORE: Toronto university career fair offers early access for racialized, LGBT people.“Early entry into the Career Fair begins at 1 p.m. for indigenous students, black students, racialized students, students who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and any student who would be able to participate more fully and effectively with fewer sensory distractions,” said U of T. .“Early entry is meant to recognize and respond to the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact students who belong to these communities during their job search processes and prioritize their access to employers.”
