The Anti-Racism and Discrimination Committee (ARDC) is an entirely student-athlete-led committee that works within the Bishop’s community to proliferate and implement equality, diversity, and inclusionary tactics, to create a space that promotes and fosters allyship.
Mission
o Uniting as student-athletes to be advocates for anti-racism and discrimination at BU
o Through uniting as student-athletes, our mission is to set a zero-tolerance policy for racism and discrimination in the community by holding ourselves and others accountable
Values
o Uniting as student-athletes to be advocates for anti-racism and discrimination at BU
o Integrity
o Equity
o Accountability
o Leadership
o Empowerment
o Reconciliation → decolonization
o Anti-empiricism, liberation
o Advocacy
Gallery: (4-23-2023) ARDC Gallery
Committee Members
Kyra Simons: Co-lead
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, MSc Psychology
Sport: Soccer
First-year master’s
· Going into university, I knew I wanted my time here to involve making a change in the Bishop’s community. Joining the ARDC over 2 years ago has been one of my best decisions as a leader and positive changemaker. Since its inception, the ARDC has become a key pillar of the Bishop’s Gaiter's identity, which I’m very proud to be a part of.
Fun fact: I am from Nova Scotia but hate lobster
Emily Whalley: Co-lead
Program: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Elementary Education
Sport: Cheer
Fourth-year
· I joined the ARDC because I am passionate about education and I wanted to be a part of a group that is so passionate about sharing their learning with the community.
Fun Fact: The town I live in got its 3rd traffic light this summer!
Holly McKenzie
Program: Bachelor of Arts Honors in Sociology concentration in criminology, law, and policy and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Sport: Retired Soccer
Fourth-year
· I joined because of my passion for advocacy and drive to make a change at BU. I love being involved with like-minded people to hear and learn different views, with the same end goal
Fun Fact: I am deathly afraid of snakes
Mikael-Benedict Worku
Program: Bachelor of Arts International Studies
Sport: Retired Basketball
Third year
· I joined the ARDC because of how important and relevant their work was when I first joined. I wanted to be a part of an organization committed to doing meaningful work in the community regarding what it actually means to be anti-racist.
Fun Fact: I played the saxophone throughout middle school.
Baijan Shahzada
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Sport: Lacrosse
Third year
· I joined the ARDC because using the idea of utilizing our voice for change resonated with me
Fun Fact: I was born in the country of Georgia.
Maya Gordon
Program: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Economy
Sport: Rugby
Fourth-year
· I joined ARDC to further my understanding of my role in what it means to be anti-racist, and to offer the same level of education and knowledge to fellow students and teammates here at BU! I deeply enjoy developing my understanding of how race, sex, and gender are intertwined and connected with the world around me.
Fun Fact: I have a tuxedo cat named Louis.
Damien Chu
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
Sport: Football,
Second year
· I joined to create a safe space for all athletes of every background and to make others feel welcome into joining our community.
Fun Fact: I like making Legos
Emily MacNeil
Program: Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Minor in Sociology
Sport: Basketball
Second-year
· I joined because I enjoy being involved with like-minded people to hear and learn different views, with the same end goal, and to be able to give back and support my community.
Fun Fact: I am from Nova Scotia
Josh Norby
Program: Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity concentration in Biodiversity and Ecology
Sport: Rugby
Fourth-year
· Encouraged to join by a fellow ARDC member and wanted to be more involved on campus and with fellow Gaiters
Fun Fact: I also snowboard
Marie-Camille Theoret
Program: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Minor in social justice and citizenship, Graduate Certificates in knowledge mobilization and climate change
Sport: Hockey
Fourth-year
· I am a part of the ARDC because I am passionate about social justice issues and I am always looking for ways to change things. It is also very important to be active in educating myself and others to change the culture of sports.
Fun Fact: I once had a hedgehog
Avery Mack
Program: Bachelor of Science in Biology Health Science
Sport: Soccer
Second year
· I chose ARDC because I was looking forward to making a difference within the student-athlete population and getting more involved with the school.
Fun Fact: I have a dog and two cats
Gia Clarke
Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Sport: Soccer
Second year
· I joined the ARDC because I felt like I could find a community of people with similar passions to me.
Fun Fact: I make music
A look at our impact:
2021
Denburk Reid workshop - January 2021
Racism and Discrimination in Sport and Life - February 2021
Christopher Stonebanks Workshop - March 2021
Allyship, Privilege, and Implicit Bias in Sport and Life - April 2021
Racial Bias in Policing workshop with Trevor Anthony Bennett - May 2021
Mental Health, Stigma, and Discrimination - November 2021
2022
Black Excellence Social Media and Poster Campaign - February 2022
Anti-Racism Workshop with Selam Debs - February 2022
Radical Empathy in Action - March 2022
Truth and Reconciliation: Called to Action - September 2o22
ARDC Trivia Night - September 2022
Anti-Racism Education Module - September 2022
Truth and Reconciliation Week - September 2022
Orange Shirt Day Walk - September 2021, 2022
Maple League Presentation - October 2022
Truth and Reconciliation Trivia - October 2022
Men’s Mental Health - November 2022
Mustache Monday Social Media Campaign - November 2022
2023
Anti-Racism Workshop for Student-Athlete Leaders - February 2023
Black Joy Exposition - February 2023
A look into the future:
Forces Avenir Application
Maple League Universities Infographic
ARDC at Champlain College
News
Connect with us!
Instagram: @ gaitersardc
