The discussion forum “Diverse Roots”, held on August 22 at the Faculty of Accounting, Economic, and Administrative Sciences of Universidad del Cauca, opened a space for dialogue and reflection to acknowledge that racism and discrimination are still present in our daily lives. The final reflection is powerful: it is urgent to promote pedagogical efforts so that these manifestations, unacceptable in any setting, but especially in educational spaces, are transformed into gestures of respect, equity, and inclusion.

The Alma Mater of Cauca must be a beacon of hope, a place where pride in our diversity flourishes, and where every member of the community feels safe, valued, and free from any form of violence, whether verbal, psychological, or physical. Thus, Universidad del Cauca reaffirms that it is more than a place of academic training; it is a house of learning where lives are transformed, dreams come true, and a more just and equitable society is built. For this reason, the Nursing program, with the support of the research group Racism, Ethnicity, and Public Health from Universidad del Valle and the Rogerio Velásquez Murillo Afro-Colombian Chair of our Alma Mater, organized “Diverse Roots”, an initiative that brought together voices, experiences, and commitments around raising awareness against racism and discrimination. This gathering invited us to reflect deeply: How can we, through our daily actions, eradicate the violence that fractures us and actively build an environment of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence?

Photo: provided. Academic Vice Chancellor, Aída Patricia González Nieva, and Professor Elizabeth Castillo from the Center for Ethnic Memories

The event began with the participation of the Academic Vice Rector, Dr. Aída Patricia González Nieva, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Adriana Castro Mañunga, and Nursing Department professor Alejandra Arias, who emphasized the University’s responsibility to make these issues visible and to create more equitable and inclusive academic environments. Dean Adriana Castro Mañunga shared how the experience and testimony of a student allowed her to recognize the normalization of attitudes and comments that, though often overlooked, deeply wound.

“We have normalized ridicule and subtle discrimination so much that we no longer see it. That is why we reached out to Universidad del Valle, to learn from their experience and to raise our voices here at our university. We want change, starting with each of us,” she stated with conviction. This call for individual action is crucial to dismantle the structures of discrimination and violence that, unfortunately, still persist.

Photo: provided. Professor José Antonio Caicedo from the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences

The gathering also highlighted the historical contributions that Universidad del Cauca has made to the development of Afro-Colombian thought. Professors José Antonio Caicedo and Elizabeth Castillo presented the Rogerio Velásquez Murillo Afro-Colombian Chair, established in 2014 in honor of the scholar who, in 1946, came from Chocó to Popayán to study at the Ethnological Institute of this house of thought. The chair seeks to preserve his work, his intellectual legacy, and his memory as inspiration for new generations. It is a powerful reminder of the roots that nurture our identity and that we must safeguard and celebrate.

Later, Dr. María Janeth Mosquera Becerra, from the School of Public Health at Universidad del Valle, delivered her presentation “Racism and Public Health”, highlighting the importance of building alliances between institutions to advance in the construction of anti-racist universities. “We have a very big task ahead of us, and it would be very valuable to keep strengthening each other between universities,” she stated. This spirit of collaboration is vital to amplify our impact and create strong support networks against all forms of exclusion.

Photo: provided. María Janeth Mosquera Becerra, from the School of Public Health at Universidad del Valle

Likewise, Nursing students from Unicauca presented their research “Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes toward Ethnic-Racial Discrimination at the Faculty of Universidad del Cauca, 2025”, creating a highly enriching space for dialogue and feedback. In the afternoon, a peer discussion forum took place, concluding with a hopeful message that captured the essence of the event: before being professionals, we must be integral human beings. Only by recognizing the dignity of every person, regardless of origin, skin color, or condition, can we transform society into a place of peace, inclusion, and acceptance; a place where each of us can be, and feel, proud of who we are and of the community we weave together in our daily lives.

Thus, Universidad del Cauca, as #HeritageForAll, will continue to generate spaces for reflection and action that help break stereotypes and build a more humane, conscious, and supportive academic community. Because in its classrooms, not only professionals are educated, but also citizens committed to dignity and well-being for all; a firm commitment to preventing violence in all its forms.

 

Written by: Communications Management Center