Independent Review Finds Systemic Racism at Canadian Museum for Human Rights

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An independent review has found systemic racism within the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg that has had a negative physical, emotional and financial impact on employees who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour.

It also identifies instances of sexism, heterosexism and homophobia within the organization.

The museum released the full interim report of the review by Laurelle Harris, a Winnipeg mediator, arbitrator and lawyer with expertise in women's and Black studies. It was initiated following recent public complaints by employees and former employees. 

The museum says it released the full report "in the interest of transparency." It is available on the museum's website. Read the report.

Pauline Rafferty, the chair of the board and the interim CEO, issued an apology.

"It is clear many people have been adversely impacted by racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination within the museum, and we apologize unreservedly."

She said the museum's management is taking immediate steps to build an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory workplace.

"We need to focus our attention on our hiring practices, our policies and our workplace culture," she said. "We will recommit ourselves to the values upon which the museum was founded, of human dignity and respect, and make this a priority. How we work will be as important as the work itself."

The board has formed a diversity and inclusion committee led by trustee Julie Jai. The board will also review the museum's five-year strategic plan to prioritize diversity and inclusion goals and develop metrics to measure progress. 

"We will create and implement policies and procedures that cover all aspects of the museum's work," said Jai. "We have an opportunity to transform the museum into a workplace that practices anti-racism and rejects all forms of oppression, including sexism, heterosexism, homophobia and transphobia. With sustained effort, the museum will emerge much stronger for it."

Source: Canadian Museum for Human Rights