At the Global Evidence & Impact Conference (GEIC) 2025, the conversations did not stop at theory. They extended into honest, thought provoking exchanges between speakers and participants.
During one such session, Dr. Joseph Mensah, Professor at York University, engaged in a powerful discussion on what it truly takes to challenge racism within academic spaces.
The question was simple, but deeply important:
What practical support or training programs can universities implement to help faculty, staff, and students challenge racism in everyday academic environments?
Key Highlights:
1. Policies Mean Nothing Without Enforcement
In his response, Dr. Joseph Mensah emphasized a critical gap in many institutions, the lack of real enforcement.
According to him:
- Policies alone are not enough
- Without clear consequences, they remain symbolic
- True change requires accountability mechanisms that are actually enforced
Without enforcement, efforts toward equity risk becoming performative rather than impactful.
2. Moving Beyond Tokenism
A recurring theme in the discussion was the idea of tokenism.
Dr. Mensah pointed out that many systems claim to address racism, yet fail to follow through in practice. Even institutions responsible for upholding fairness can fall short.
This raises an important concern, when those expected to enforce fairness are themselves part of the problem,
how do we ensure genuine accountability?
3. Human Nature, Systems, And Control
In response to a follow up question, Dr. Joseph Mensah reflected on human behavior and societal structures.
Left unchecked, individuals may act in self interest. This is why systems, rules, and governance exist, to create order and fairness.
However, these systems only work when:
- Rules are applied consistently
- Enforcement is fair and unbiased
- There are real consequences for violations
Otherwise, inequality continues unchecked.
4. Holding Power Accountable
The conversation then shifted to a pressing question, who is responsible for driving change?
Dr. Mensah’s answer was direct:
- Governments and institutions must be held accountable
- Systems of power must be challenged, not accepted
- Individuals and communities have a role in demanding change
Accountability is not automatic, it requires active participation and pressure.
5. Understanding And Using Power
Reinforcing a key theme from his earlier session, Dr. Joseph Mensah reminded the audience that power exists everywhere.
From institutions to corporations to everyday people, power operates in multiple directions. The key is recognizing it and knowing how to use it.
Whether through:
- Advocacy
- Legal action
- Collective efforts like boycotts
Change becomes possible when power is understood and exercised intentionally.
The Bigger Reflection
This Q&A session highlighted a crucial truth,
real change does not come from policies alone, it comes from enforcement, accountability, and action.
The Ripple Continues
As the conversations from GEIC 2025 continue to resonate, one message stands out clearly:
we cannot afford to confuse intention with impact.
If systems are to change, they must be backed by action, enforced with consistency, and challenged when they fail.
Because in the end,
the responsibility to create equitable spaces belongs to all of us, but accountability must start at the top.
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