In September 2020, McGill launched its Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism.
The Action Plan sets out a range of commitments that will increase the representation and success of Black students, faculty, and staff at McGill. It also recognizes the importance of investigating McGill’s historic connections with the transatlantic slave trade through a dedicated McGill history project. As an overarching objective, it commits to raising awareness about systemic racism – including anti-Black racism, and to efforts that seek to prevent and address it. At least $15 million is being allocated to these priorities over a five-year period.
“The Action Plan is the result of a lot of difficult but necessary conversations, and it is just the beginning,” Principal Suzanne Fortier said when the plan was announced. “Every member of the McGill community has a part in fighting racism and discrimination, and in identifying and dismantling the systemic barriers to full and equal participation. Working together, we can ensure that McGill University’s third century is defined by sustained excellence as well as inclusiveness and equity.”
As of Winter 2021, important headway has already been made on a range of a commitments that it enunciates.