The Robert Sutherland Prize is presented annually to a graduating and self-defined student of colour who has shown leadership and initiative at Queen's University, most specifically in the area of anti-racism and anti-oppression in the aim of crating a more inclusive campus climate.

This year's recipient of the Robert Sutherland Prizes was awarded to Dev Aransevia.  Dev is a Global Development Studies graduate in the Class of 2017.

As a co-chair of the Principal's Implementation Committee on Racism, Diversity and Inclusion (PICRDI), Dev has worked tirelessly to examine the complex and sensitive issue of racism at Queen's.  In every one of the 2-3 weekly meetings, Dev presented a zeal for positive change on campus and went above and beyond the call of duty, meeting with administration, student leaders, and students alike to help assemble a plan to make Queen's more inclusive.

Dev's commitment to anti-oppression work reaches beyond PICRDI as well.  As a member of the Queen's Black Academic Society and the African Caribbean Student Association, she has been an active part of discussions around every day and systemic barriers against Queen's students of colour, particularly in the context of black students and black academic success.  She has done all of this, with unwavering perseverance, while also acting as the Head Manger at Studio Q, volunteering at the Vogue Charity Fashion Show, and being a student.

Dev has showcased exactly the skills and qualities that a Robert Sutherland Prize recipient does and we are honoured to present this award to her as a token of our appreciation to her steadfast commitment to making Queen's University a better place.

2017 Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS) Annual Conference

Friday June 2, 13:30-15:00 | Room: TRSM 3-129, Ryerson University

Panel:  Changing Environments, Gender, and Sexuality

Presenter/Chair:  Marc Epprecht, Queen’s University

Title:  Sexual rights = environmental rights: an emerging strategy for African lgbtiq

Abstract

Great progress around the world has been made to achieve protection for people from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) since activists first coined the slogan “gay rights are human rights,” notwithstanding continuing setbacks and brutalities against lgbtiq people. Even the concept of “gay rights” now strikes many as anachronistic and unhelpful. Among African activists today, a wide consensus holds that struggles for SOGIE rights must be embedded in more general human rights struggles, notably, for gender equality, for basic economic, health and food security, or against states’ anti-democratic tendencies like corruption and authoritarian rule. Green or environmental issues are also beginning to be acknowledged as a strategic option to empower sexual minorities. In this paper, I would like to explore the potential for SOGIE rights activists to incorporate a green, even “de-growth” perspective into their work, hence to position themselves to play a leadership role in a movement that could bring benefits to the majority population in tandem with the expansion of economic opportunities and human rights for sexual minorities.

DEVS 305 Cuban Culture and Society course participants enjoy a night of modern dance at Havana’s Gran Teatro.  They were accompanied by Napu Boychuk, the Canadian dancer who is recuperating from a swimming accident in Havana.  Information about Napu and his medical recovery fund is available here:   https://www.gofundme.com/napus-medical-and-recovery-fund   

DEVS 305 Cuban Culture and Society will be offered again in 2018.  The Havana portion of the course will take place May 5 to May 21, 2018.  Course application will be available on the DEVS website in September 2017.