The response to my column about the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association’s BIPoC-only lounge has been overwhelming. The volume of comments, emails, and messages reveals just how deeply these issues resonate with people. The feedback to my column was wide-ranging, with many thoughtful and intelligent comments. Unfortunately, some of the feedback missed the central point: advocating for equality for all people. Instead, it became an opportunity for some to engage in divisive rhetoric and personal attacks.
One person on Instagram remarked, “Please educate yourself. What a disgusting article for your front page news. I supported you when you were my city councillor but this… Step off your soap box Kevin.” Another commenter on LinkedIn wrote, “Reverse racism is not a thing. BIPoC people deserve to have safe spaces to connect, as do women-only spaces, for example. This in no way affects you, as a white person. Weird take. If you want to support/connect/engage with BIPoC communities, there are many open spaces in which to do that.” These remarks were met with a counter-response that read, “Being so blatantly disdainful of people based on immutable characteristics does absolutely nothing healthy for anyone, no matter what you call it. It foments spite and perpetuates divisions. It is not the same as women-only spaces. BIPoC is already a category that holds no value besides meaning ‘not white.’ I don’t have anything more in common with a Laotian person than I do with a Ukrainian. The article also mentions ‘racism’ zero times. But people who decry reverse racism as a myth almost always just want a socially acceptable way to talk down to others.”
A professor from the University of Winnipeg wrote to the Winnipeg Sun, stating, “It’s a remarkable coincidence that Kevin Klein chose December 6, the anniversary of the anti-feminist terrorist attack at École Polytechnique, to malign the anti-racist and equity work of student leaders at the University of Winnipeg. The BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) lounge is an inclusive space dedicated to students from these groups. To frame it as 'segregation' is disingenuous and inaccurate at best; in fact, it’s inflammatory. I applaud the UWSA for their strong support for equity, and their creative and innovative approaches to support their members. At UWinnipeg there are spaces for Muslim students, 2SLGBTQ+ students and more; these are common and welcome parts of university campuses. We’re fortunate that this generation of students is active and engaged in anti-racist action rather than repeating the tired old platitudes that seek to reinforce white privilege at the expense of everyone else and at any cost.”
Some of these responses reveal a troubling hypocrisy. Those who claim to champion inclusivity and equity are often the first to dismiss, insult, or silence anyone who questions their methods. Ironically, their approach promotes the very segregation and division that fuels anger and resentment, undermining the unity they claim to advocate for.
However, the majority of people see the BiPoc only lounge for what it is, divisive. One of the most meaningful comments I received came from a dear friend, a person of colour whom I deeply admire and often turn to for advice. This incredibly successful individual said, "Just wanted to say I love what you had to say about the U of W. We need to stand against this insanity. I'm with you on this." His words captured the essence of what my column was about - equality. Creating segregated spaces fosters division rather than unity.
I welcome all comments, the good, the bad, and the ridiculous rhetoric because it means people are talking. This is the conversation we need to have. It is not about attacking any group or denying the importance of spaces for support and healing. It is about the principle of equality. If there were a lounge that excluded BIPoC individuals, I would oppose it even more strongly. The principle is the same: exclusion based on race, no matter the intent, perpetuates division.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Mahatma Gandhi warned that “an eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind.” And Barack Obama once reminded us, “There’s not a liberal America and a conservative America—there’s the United States of America.” Similarly, there isn’t a Black Canada, Indigenous Canada, or White Canada. There is just Canada. These wise words remind us that unity and justice must be the foundation of our society.
Some argue that BIPoC spaces are no different from women-only spaces or religious spaces, but the comparison doesn’t hold. Women-only spaces address issues like gender-based violence, which is a universal issue for women. Religious spaces are for practicing faith, a personal choice. Race is an immutable characteristic. To exclude individuals based on something they cannot change is a betrayal of the principles of equality and fairness.
Canada is not a perfect country, but it has been a refuge for those fleeing persecution and seeking freedom. African Americans escaped slavery by coming to Canada, a land that promised dignity and opportunity. Thousands of Canadians gave their lives in two world wars to defend the ideals of equality and human rights. Are we honouring their sacrifices by creating new barriers between people?
The fact is, that Canada stands as a global leader in promoting equality and inclusivity, which is why it remains a top destination for immigrants worldwide. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, over 400,000 people immigrate to Canada annually, drawn by the country’s commitment to fairness, human rights, and opportunity. In 2022 alone, Canada welcomed a record 437,000 newcomers, further solidifying its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive society. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds, seeking a nation that values equality and offers a better future. This influx underscores Canada’s success in fostering a society where people of all races, cultures, and religions can coexist and thrive. Canada’s dedication to these principles places it far ahead of many others, and it’s a legacy we must continue to protect. Canada is not a place of division and segregated spaces.
One of the most troubling aspects of this debate is the personal attacks. Instead of addressing the arguments, critics resort to name-calling and dismissiveness. One Instagram commenter told me to “step off your soap box,” as if advocating for equality is a self-indulgent act. Another posted, “Kev are you dumb.” These types of comments reveal more about the critics than they do about me. They show an unwillingness to engage in difficult conversations and a preference for shutting down dialogue rather than participating in it.
This is not about me. It’s about what kind of society we want to build. Do we want to create more divisions, or do we want to work together to address the issues that affect all of us? Violence, poverty, and discrimination are not confined to any one group. They impact everyone, regardless of race. Segregating ourselves will not solve these problems. It will only make them worse.
Canada has long been a beacon of equality and justice in the world. We cannot allow ourselves to be divided and segregated.
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