University of Toronto's
Graduate Student Union's
Race &
Ethnicity
caucus
Our activities include regular meetings, social events, reading groups, community dinners, panels, and much more. Dedicated to disability justice, we work hard to ensure our events are open to all. For more details, check our Events page and follow our socials!
ABOUT US
Who are we?
We at the Race and Ethnicity Caucus (REC) are committed to social justice, community building, and healing for self-identified racialized and/or graduate students of colour at the intersections of gender, disability, age, class, religion, and sexuality at the University of Toronto.
In what ways are we committed to social justice?
REC is committed to advocacy, scholarship, and activism. We aim to be a safe space for women, trans people, non-binary gender/gender non-conforming individuals, and mad, sick and disabled people. We are particularly interested in forming networks amongst racialized graduate students across the university in order to provide information, support, and resources.
How do I get involved?
Meet THE 2023-2024 executive team
Our dream-team of passionate graduate students combine their educational backgrounds, advocacy expertise, and varied experiences with racialization on and off campus to REC's central commitment to community-building.
Anthony Kadamani (he/him)
Chair
M.Sc. Student in Cell and System Biology
TBD
Imad Ali (he/him)
Vice-Chair
M.Sc. Student in Speech-Language Pathology
I am a second year Masters student in Speech-Language Pathology at UofT. I joined REC because I am passionate about honouring cultural and linguistic diversity and advocating for justice and equitable care for all, with the intention of supporting the communal healing of racialized communities. In my free time, I like learning different languages (currently learning Portuguese), playing video games, hiking and mushroom hunting.
Melissa Li (she/her)
Director of Communications
M.Sc. Student in Speech-Language Pathology
I am currently in my second year of the Masters of Speech-Language Pathology program at UofT. My interest lies in culturally sensitive practice and linguistic diversity. I hope to bring my passion in fostering community and bridging gaps to REC this year. In my free time, I enjoy photography, biking, reading, and exploring!
Elsa Salvant
(she/her)
Director of Internal Operations
M.Sc. Student in Medical Science
I am an MSc student in the Department of the Institute of Medical Science at UofT. My research focuses on studying a post-COVID-19 hyperinflammatory disease known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or MIS-C. My research focuses on these patients' immunological responses to better understand why certain patient subgroups develop MIS-C after contracting COVID-19. As part of the REC team, I hope to foster solidarity and belonging amongst racialized students pursuing their graduate studies at U of T. I love music, watching crime thrillers, Sudoku puzzles, and being in STEMM!
Nooshin Abdollahi
(she/her)
Director of Events & Accessibility
Ph.D. Candidate in Neurosciences
My name is Nooshin, and I am currently a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the department of biomedical engineering. My research is focused on neuroscience. In general, I am interested in studying the properties of axons in the nervous system. Outside of school, I enjoy painting, playing chess, and traveling. I'm so excited to be part of REC.
TBD
Director of Advocacy & Development
Email us if you would like to join us this year!
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO'S GRADUATE STUDENT UNION
The UTGSU is a voice for over 18,500 students as well as a platform for community building and services. The UTGSU is a democratically-run non-profit organization, formed in 1964 and incorporated in 1999. All University of Toronto graduate students who pay the UTGSU fee are UTGSU Members. As a Member, you have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process of the corporation at the Annual Meeting and at the General Council through Course Union Representation or UTGSU Committee participation.
The UTGSU Offices have been closed since March 16, 2020 due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. Staff and Executives will be working remotely so members can email info@utgsu.ca with general inquiries. For Health and Dental Insurance inquiries, members can email health@utgsu.ca with any health and dental insurance plan questions during regular office hours. All staff and Executives are available by email during regular office hours.
LOCATION
16 Bancroft Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1C1
(416) 978-2391
A panel seeking to open dialogue focusing on the impact of the question, "Where are you from?," on communities who experience racialization in various ways.
A peer-facilitated discussion where racialized graduate students and allies can discuss topics regarding their experiences of race and other forms of difference.
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A critical-reading book club where we read and discuss books that teach us more about the complexity of race. Books are chosen by REC execs and members-at-large!
REC's podcast, hosted by Mai-Lan and Joe, where conversations are had about race and race-related issues (particularly in academia).
FOLLOW US
@RECUTGSU