Critical Race Theory in Action

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a growing body of research that argues that the racism and racial oppression embedded in large scale and wide-ranging systems affects all aspects of life - including education, social services, healthcare, the justice system, employment, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and more. One of its basic assumptions is that the pervasiveness of racial inequality means that it is accepted as normal, even by some members of the groups affected by it. (Gold, 2016). Unlike neoliberal approaches characterized by, for example, the civil rights movement, which stress incrementalism and individual emancipation, "critical race theory questions the very foundations of the liberal order, including equality theory, legal reasoning, Enlightenment rationalism, and the neutral principles of constitutional law" (Delgado and Stefancic, 2012, 3). Research in Canada reinforces the fact that while members of racialized and other equity deserving groups face discrimination, anti-Black racism is distinct  and needs to be confronted. 

This session will provide three perspectives on how Critical Race Theory can be applied to scholarship and evidence informed practice drawing on research in social work, law and management.

Speakers:

Gaynel Diana Curry, Independent Expert Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent

Dr. Delores V. Mullings, Professor & Vice-Provost (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism), Memorial University of Newfoundland

Tamara Thermitus, Ad. E., Visiting Scholar, McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism; Past Chair, Quebec Human Rights Commission

Nancy Mitchell (chair), Director (Research - Special Project), Diversity Institute

Dr. Mohamed Elmi, Executive Director, Diversity Institute