On March 21st, in honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), Race and Antiracism Network (RAN) held a panel discussion on:
Who is UFV? The Power of Disaggregated Data in Combating Racial Discrimination. SASI was a collaborating partner for the event made up of a panel of members from the BC Antiracism Data Collection Committee. The Committee’s goal is to help eliminate racism in government and advance racial equity through data collection, research, and ongoing collaboration. The two members of the Committee were Dr. Zareen Naqvi (Director, Institutional Research and Planning, Simon Fraser University) and Dr. Shirley Chau (Associate Professor, School of Social Work, UBC Okanagan).
The event centered on the critical topic of anti-racism data collection and its role in addressing racial discrimination. The panel discussion highlighted that while data alone is not enough to eliminate racial injustice, it provides a vital foundation for creating equitable academic environments and advancing social change.
Key takeaways from the panel discussion:
Challenges in Anti-Racism Data Collection – There is a lack of data on racial discrimination, particularly regarding how individuals identify themselves. The absence of data, however, should not be equated with the absence of racism.
Institutional Efforts – Some academic institutions (i.e., SFU), have begun collecting employment equity data, focusing on gender, Indigenous status, visible minorities, and disabilities. Efforts are also underway to expand data collection to include gender identity.
Recommendations for Engaging in Race-Driven Data Collection – Building trust within the community is key. Institutions must be transparent about why the data is being collected, what will be collected, and how it will be used.
Roles of Academics and Educators – Academics must be clear about what data is being collected and why. Proper planning and understanding of the data collection process are crucial.
Moving Forward – Data collection is an essential tool in combating racial discrimination, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. Institutions must use this data responsibly to drive action, accountability, and systemic change. This work is a long-term journey that requires sustained commitment, collaboration, and respect for diverse perspectives.