Trent University in Ontario has launched a “freedom lounge” space for non-white students.
“This space is for, and celebrates, the lives of students who identify as Indigenous, Black, Brown, Racialized, and Students of Colour,” reads a poster outside the space.
The Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) promotes the segregated space by appealing to “anti-racism” initiatives.
The purpose of the space is to encourage non-white students to “feel empowered, celebreate their lived experiences, and honour their histories.”
Additionally, the space seeks to “engage students in initiatives that actively dismantle oppressive, racist, and colonial ideologies and practice.”
An anti-racism toolkit is provided by the university’s website as well. Included in this resource is a tip on how to “disrupt” to fulfill organizational goals.
“Let’s say you have chosen to organize an occupation of the President’s office. Not all students will be able to or want to participate in the action. What can you do to make sure that that these students are still excited about and are able to engage in anti-racism organizing,” the anti-racism toolkit reads.
A few years ago, an infamous occupation of a president’s office took place by a large group of “anti-racism” advocates.
In the US, Evergreen State College thought it reasonable to have one day per year where light-skinned students and staff were not allowed on campus. This idea was supported by anti-racism activists at the school, including some staff.
A professor (Bret Weinstine) objected, and activists at the college went berserk. Students patrolled the campus with baseball bats and prevented campus officers from entering the premises.
Subsequently, a mob of activist students locked the head of the university in a room and gave him an ultimatum: accept their demands or expect violence.
“What is occurring on college campuses is about power and control,” Weinstine later said while testifying to congress about what led to his exile from the college.
“Most of the people involved in this movement earnestly believe that they are acting nobly – to end oppression.”
“Only the leaders understand that the true goal is to turn the tables of oppression. Something is seriously and dangerously amiss.”
Last year, a student in the US filmed herself verbally harassing light-skinned students who were sitting in a “multicultural” space.
“We’re just trying to do school,” the students said in defence.
“But this is our space,” the young woman replied.
“You’re white – do you understand what a multicultural space means?”
Christopher Rufo, an American writer, has been fighting back against ethnic and gender discrimination for a few years.
“In recent years, segregation has been resurrected, but this time under the guise of ‘racial equity’” he wrote in the City Journal.
The Counter Signal reached out to Trent University and received this comment on the matter:
The Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) Freedom Lounge is open to all students as an inclusive and safe space to create community, seek support, and celebrate diversity. The TCSA Freedom Lounge is an initiative of the students of Trent University. It was founded after a TCSA review in August 2020 to better support anti-racism initiatives and racialized students on campus. The lounge is an anti-oppressive space where students, particularly BIPOC and racialized students, can gather without fear of discrimination.
