The Architecture and Visual Studies Student Union (AVSSU) has released a statement expressing condemnation of police brutality against Black people and support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The full text of the statement is below:

Dear Daniels Community,

This statement is in response to the ongoing police brutality against Black people and the recent killing of George Floyd. This is a recurring act of systemic anti-Black racism. We would like to, first, extend our sincere condolences and support to the families of the deceased at this time.

Black folks should not live in fear, nor oppression. There is no denial that drastic changes are needed. AVSSU stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and our Black students. We are committed to raise awareness, to keep opening conversations, and to work on short, medium, and long-term goals to break the cycle of racism. Most importantly, we are committed to listening to you and supporting you.

Below is a list of free events, resources, and support services to help you during this time:

U of T’s Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office will be holding a series of virtual events for Black and racialized people, as well as their allies. The details for the online meetings can be found below:

• Diversity is not Allyship: How U of T Scarborough can show up for Black Communities, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Talking about Racism at Home, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Virtual gathering for Black U of T Mississauga community members through the Black Table Talk Group, date TBD

More information can be found at https://antiracism.utoronto.ca/

St. George campus: Health and Wellness Centre (416-978-8030), located at Koffler Student Services

U of T My SSP for students: Call 1-844-451-9700 or download the app at the Apple App Store or Google Play. Immediate counselling support is available in 35 languages and ongoing support in 146 languages.

Good 2 Talk Student Helpline: 1-866-925-5454. Professional counselling, information, and referrals for mental health, addictions, and well-being.

The Centre for Women and Trans People: University of Toronto, 563 Spadina Avenue, Room 100, North Borden Building, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2J7. Tel: 416-978-8201. Fax: 416-978-1078.

Sexual Violence & Support Centres: 416-978-2266 (all locations) University of Toronto St. George campus, Gerstein Science Information Centre (Gerstein Library), Suite B139.

Other 24-hour support services include:

• Gerstein Crisis Centre: 416-929-5200
• Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: 416-408-HELP (4357)
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 250 College Street
• Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line: 416-360-0486
• The Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offered through Homewood Health, online and by phone at 1-800-663-1142

Educational resources:

This is an all-rounded list of petitions you can sign, places where you can donate, ways/resources to educate yourself and more: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-0KC83vYfVQ-2freQveH43PWxuab2uWDEGolzrNoIks/mobilebasic#h.xl72bignk3vp

This document outlines a schedule of educational resources you can read, watch, listen to, and ways you can act for a full month, whether you have 10, 25, or 45 minutes a day: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H-Vxs6jEUByXylMS2BjGH1kQ7mEuZnHpPSs1Bpaqmw0/mobilebasic#id.2bwn4teflt1v

SPACE/RACE READING LIST, aimed at those of us in the architectural/design field: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p2GvScemyghCaQVkA3fDTsjqtprk7CPOryZv5-YUTkk/edit

The Criterion Channel has a collection of films highlighting Black lives, which you can watch for free: https://www.criterionchannel.com/browse

Additionally, UofT students have free access to all Criterion Channel films through: https://mediacommons.library.utoronto.ca/criterion-demand

List of Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the GTA, open during the pandemic: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10l7NItyZUoNroE4iLePGn5GAvSuQ7KW5IK4XmOcDSTI/mobilebasic

Please feel free to reach out at any time.

In solidarity we stand,
The AVSSU team