Western University students demand change after professor uses racial slur during lecture
Law students at Western University are demanding change after a professor used a racial slur during a lecture earlier this week.
During a first-year law lecture on Tuesday, a professor was explaining the specifics of a legal case that used the N word. While explaining the case to her students, the professor read the word aloud in its entirety.
According to Jaidyn McEwan, president of the Western Black Law Students Association, this was an upsetting event for students.
“So I found out through the first year students in the class there was you know, a lot of upset that happened from not only the Black law Students but all of the students involved," she says.
A recording of that part of the lecture was provided to CTV News London, as well with Dean of the Faculty of Law Erika Chamberlain, who also shared the students' concerns with the professor.
“The professor apologized to the class for what happened on Tuesday, and I also spoke to the class about my concerns and to share my support for them, and to commit to them that we are going to make things better,” she explains.
The Western Black Law Students Association released a statement to all faculty and students at the law school, and believe the administration is taking the situation seriously, but want to see better training for faculty and staff.
But for McEwan, there was no point in using the word and hopes the incident can be used as a learning opportunity.
“I think it's important for, you know, staff, faculty, students to know that in no circumstances is acceptable for a non-Black person to use that word, and that…it doesn't convey meaning and you know, to enhance the educational setting at all,” says McEwan.
The school says it wants to first ensure that the concerns of the students are addressed, and support students that are hurting through counselling, but also to take more steps in the future.
Chamberlain adds that everyone should, “Work together to have an action plan to make sure that our classrooms are safe. And respectful places for students to learn."
When asked if the professor would face and disciplinary action, the school told CTV News London the professor has apologized to the class and is taking steps to better educate herself about presenting sensitive material to the class.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.