Statement for Student Protests

Following an in-depth discussion at the GSA board meeting held on May 22nd, 2024, the GSA Board of Directors voted to approve the release of this statement at a subsequent special meeting held on May 29th, 2024, by a majority vote of the board.

To the University of Guelph administration,

The Board of Directors of the Graduate Students’ Association at the University of Guelph wholeheartedly supports the fundamental rights of graduate students to freely express their beliefs, and to do so without fear. Exercising this right is crucial for sharing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful discussions that can drive positive societal changes and contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic campus environment.

Sparked by the ongoing crisis in Gaza, numerous institutions across Canada have become witness to protest, highlighting the desire of their students for action.  In some instances, these protests have been met with significant and unacceptable repression. Considering the encampment recently established in Branion Plaza, the GSA Board of Directors urges the University of Guelph to illustrate its commitment to its policy statement on Freedom of Expression1 and to not invoke any unwarranted action(s) that limit graduate students’ ability to peacefully protest. It is crucial that the university exemplify that “Debate or deliberation ought not to be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the University community to be offensive, unwise, immoral or wrong-headed”1.

Student voices have a rich history on this campus and the University of Guelph has previously embraced these voices. As recently as 2020 in response to student protests for the divestment from fossil fuels, the University of Guelph became one of the first universities to announce its divestment2. Accordingly, the GSA Board of Directors urges the University of Guelph to continue listening to student voices and engage in meaningful dialogue with them. By doing so, the university can ensure that it remains receptive to the concerns of its students and continue to lead by example in fostering positive change.

Supporting the peaceful expression of ideas and beliefs embodies one of the core values of the University of Guelph; the pursuit of truth, the advancement of learning, and the dissemination of knowledge to serve society and enhance the quality of life through scholarship1.  We implore all members of the University of Guelph community to come together with respect, safely embrace open dialogue, uphold these rights, and collaborate to show that our community can achieve peaceful resolution. 

Sincerely,

Board of Directors, University of Guelph Graduate Students’ Association

  1. https://www.uoguelph.ca/freedom-of-expression/policy
  2. https://news.uoguelph.ca/2020/04/u-of-g-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/
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