“Everyone should be valued as an equal”

May 29, 2023

A commitment to battling discrimination and promoting peace from alum Bosco Law

Bosco Law stands with arms folded against a wall mural: colourful interlocking shapes painted on wood. — *Photo courtesy of LAWSGROUP*

Bosco Law (BA 2002 SMC) is determined to do his part to tackle racism, promote inclusion and create opportunities for today’s students. “I believe strongly that everyone should be valued as an equal and no one should be left out or excluded,” says the Hong Kong-based alum, who serves as Deputy Chairman and CEO of LAWSGROUP, one of the world’s leading apparel manufacturers. “To make real change in the world, we need to encourage and reward those amazing student leaders who are doing the hard work in their communities.”

With this goal in mind, Law, who studied architecture and fine art history at U of T, established the Bosco Law Award for Student Leadership in Anti-Racism and Inclusion at the Faculty of Arts & Science. Established through Law’s generous $100,000 donation, the prestigious award supports Arts & Science students who are engaged in anti-racism efforts through volunteerism, leadership and community involvement. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 per student. Law created the award inspired by U of T’s standing not only as one of the top universities in the world, but also as one of the most diverse. “U of T attracts students from all over the world who respect each others’ cultures,” he says.

I believe strongly that everyone should be valued as an equal and no one should be left out or excluded.

“We are inspired by Bosco’s commitment to foster the next generation of leaders who are working to create much-needed positive and hopeful change for the world,” said David Palmer, vice-president, advancement. “We are also excited to partner with him in supporting this initiative that reflects U of T’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.”

I believe strongly that everyone should be valued as an equal and no one should be left out or excluded.

A new generation of leaders who will build understanding and foster peace

Alyssa Nurse, a fourth-year economics and political science student at Victoria College is one of the inaugural Bosco Law scholars. “It feels incredible to have all the time, effort and attention I invested in the communities I value to be recognized by an award of this nature,” she says.

It feels incredible to have all the time, effort and attention I invested in the communities I value to be recognized by an award of this nature.

An international student from Guyana, Nurse has been part of many student-led initiatives geared to equity. She points to her work with the Caribbean Studies Students’ Union (CARSSU) as particularly rewarding. “With CARSSU, I learned what student and community activism looked like in practice,” she says. A highlight was a collaboration between CARSSU and the non-profit group 19 on 19, which donates books to federal prison libraries across the country.

It feels incredible to have all the time, effort and attention I invested in the communities I value to be recognized by an award of this nature.

Bosco Scholar Li Wan, who recently completed her final year at U of T’s Victoria College, credits her involvement with the Reach Alliance at the Munk School of Global Affairs’ Asian Institute for giving her leadership opportunities geared to anti-racism and inclusion. She led a case study with Operation Remote Immunity, an Indigenous-led vaccine program that supplies medical transport services to fly-in communities. “This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Asian Institute team,” she says. “They gave me the opportunity to help lead a truly innovative program.”

Fourth-year environmental studies student Maytal Lazarovic of Woodsworth College received the Bosco Law Award for establishing the Jewish Student Alliance at U of T, which aims to create a safe space for U of T students identifying as Jewish or Jewish allies. A notable initiative she led was the video project, “Jewish Voices on Campus: Unfiltered” in which students who identify as Jewish created videos discussing their experiences, aiming to combat antisemitic rhetoric, prejudice and discrimination. She also partnered with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to organize a well-attended virtual lecture by a Holocaust survivor.

“This inaugural group of leaders in the anti-racism and diversity field embody my vision for creating this award,” says Law. “They exemplify my desire to foster a new generation of leaders that will work to rid the world of discrimination, build understanding and tolerance and foster peace.”