A Western University student who called out a professor for using the n-word in class has been on the receiving end of racist emails since going public with her concerns.
Chizoba Oriuwa wrote in an Instagram post that Professor Andrew Wenaus' use of the n-word during a lecture last week in which he showed an episode of the television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was problematic, insensitive, and ignorant. Wenaus apologized in a statement posted to the University's Faculty of Arts and Humanities website, saying he "wanted to demonstrate how the writing of the show is haunted by a history of exploitation, violence, and terror.” Oriuwa called the apology "insincere to the core."
Since going public, Oriuwa has faced a flurry of emails containing the n-word. According to the University, someone shared her Western email address on an online forum, leading to the hateful emails that made their way to her inbox.
In the wake of the racist emails targeting Julia, a statement was issued Wednesday by Jennifer Massey, Western's Associate Vice-President of Student Experience.
Dear Western Community,
Western is aware that a student was targeted yesterday with hurtful messages after speaking out on issues of racism on campus.
The student’s email address was shared in a non-Western online forum which has led to several hateful and racist emails being sent from anonymous accounts. This happened in the early hours of the morning and I reached out to the student immediately. We have taken steps to ensure that this student is supported and safe.
Fostering a positive campus climate for all students is a top priority for Western. This means ensuring the physical, emotional, and cultural safety of all. Racism in any form is not acceptable and we are already having conversations about actions that can be taken to address it and how we move forward.
It is important to acknowledge the racial dimensions to this backlash. Racism is not just about individual behaviour – there is very real systemic racism embedded in the fabric of our society that affects thoughts, choices and actions. We have to acknowledge this truth before we can address racism on our campus in meaningful ways.
Western strongly condemns all forms of hate and racism. Student Experience has opened a dialogue beginning with a number of ethno-cultural student organizations in addition to the USC and SOGS to discuss how best to address these issues on campus. We are working to provide opportunities where all parts of the campus community can come together to talk about how we move forward and you can expect to receive more information about the actions we will take, and opportunities to participate in dialogue.
We want our campus to be an environment where everyone feels safe and respected, and able to speak up without fear of reprisal.
Together, we will co-create the change that is needed.
Any students who have concerns or a need for support are encouraged to reach out to Student Support & Case Management (Student Experience) at SSCM@uwo.ca or any of the resources below.
Jennifer Massey
Associate Vice-President (Student Experience)
