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March 21st - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21, 2024
by Bob Dawson
Thursday, March 21st is the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s intended to educate the public on the injustices, bias and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination that takes place in all aspects of life, even sports. To learn more International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
From a hockey perspective, this important date provides an ideal opportunity for members of our HEO family to reflect on the fact that, while some progress has been made, Blacks, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) continue to face racism and discrimination in hockey. The consequences are such that it can affect their mental health and well-being and lead to low-self esteem, anxiety and even depression. Furthermore, it can affect the players’ mind-set, morale and ultimately undermine their on-ice performance and hockey development.
March 21st, moreover, is also a time for all of us as hockey officials, players, coaches, game officials, and parents to re-commit and advance our efforts to combat and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (e.g., racial slurs, derogatory comments, inappropriate gestures, harassment, etc.) and systemic racism to ensure a safe, more inclusive and welcoming hockey environment for everyone. The failure to do so puts hockey’s future and survival at risk.
Here are some articles that might be of interest to you
Racism in Hockey, It Stops With Us!
Racism In Hockey: What You Say and Do Matters
In hockey our words matter: How to be an ally