Diversity Week has always been a memorable event at Osgoode. Since strong panels, free food, and a fresh perspective on the law are always attractive, we kept some things tried and true. But this year, we decided to do something a little different. We wanted to bring the Osgoode community together to share lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and experiences by simply having some fun! On Wednesday February 27, 2013, Gowlings Hall was transformed into a cultural and expressive celebration of the many ways we are wonderfully diverse. It was vibrant and energetic with a host of overall good times. Cultural performances, treats from around the globe, celebrations of formidable legal professionals, and highlights of the wide array of student resources available at Osgoode made the Celebration one to remember.
Diversity Week 2013 kicked off with an international breakfast in the Cube on Monday February 25, 2013. Dean Sossin, as always, showed his support, reminding us why diversity in the legal profession is not only essential but also beneficial. Students were also passionate, sharing their concerns and suggestions for addressing equity and diversity issues at Osgoode at a lunch event.
On Tuesday February 26th, 2013, John Ralston Saul, a long-time champion of freedom of expression, shared his unique perspective on Aboriginal Peoples and the law. Later in the evening, students and a variety of legal professionals from the Black and South Asian Bars enjoyed an informal night out, getting together and building community.
The Annual Flaming Feminist Cabaret on Thursday February 27th, 2013 wrapped up the week on a high note with poetry, music, dance, and live jazz. The pieces were impressive, original, and thought provoking, indicative of the immense talent at Osgoode.
We hope you enjoyed Diversity Week 2013 as much as we enjoyed putting it all together. And though the Week’s events have come to a close, issues of diversity, equity, and equality in the legal profession never rest. Let’s continue to make Osgoode and the legal profession representative of our various lifestyles, cultures, and experiences in order to better serve our greater community.
Thank you for making Diversity Week 2013 a success!
The Diversity Week Organizing Committee is Camille Dunbar, Rahim Jamal, Jacquie Kiggundu, Susannah Alleyne, Sharifa Khan, Devina D’Silva, Simaroop Dhillon, Avnish Nanda, and Shubham Sindhwani.
Photos courtesy of Harjot Atwal.