To the members of the Trent Central Student Association,

The TCSA is saddened by the passing of George Floyd, who was murdered last week at the hands of Minneapolis Police. We also express our sadness for the murder of Regis Korchinski-Paquet by Toronto Police, and we also mourn for all those who have died at the hands of police brutality. These were all acts of racial and gender-based violence that exist within the colonial states of Canada and the United States.

The TCSA stands against racial injustices against Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC). We stand against all forms of oppression that are rooted in colonialism and violence. In a time where the world desires to return to “normalcy”, we recognize that this is a place we cannot return to. We must work to fight against the violence and racism that’s painted our history over the last several centuries, and move towards a future that is just and equitable for all.

The TCSA stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, a movement that has been actively working to fight against anti-blackness across North America. We also stand in solidarity with all BIPOC students at Trent University. As an Association, we are committed to supporting online and in-person actions against racism and anti-blackness both on campus and in the Peterborough community.

The TCSA challenges its members to actively engage in learning about institutional racism and to stand against the injustices that exist against black and other racialized folks. We challenge you to educate yourself, educate your peers and family members, engage in online and in-person actions, sign petitions, and donate to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Now more than ever is the time we must take a stand against racism, colonialism, police brutality, and institutions of oppression.

In solidarity,

TCSA President
Ann-Majella McKelvie