August 22, 2024 - 4:00pm
Dear VIU community,
As President, I have the duty and privilege of working with and listening to students, employees and community members, each with uniquely diverse identities, backgrounds, and political views. I can share that since last October I have received more than 15,000 emails, calls, and letters from our community. I have carefully considered each perspective, suggestion, and open letter. Your input has been crucial in shaping my approach to managing and resolving the encampment on the Nanaimo campus. The past few months have been an unprecedented challenge for our university community and for me.
I know that not everyone agrees with VIU's actions, but we took all steps with compassion and significant consideration for the entire campus community. I also want to emphasize that, despite our best efforts to come to a resolution, instances of considerable disruption – including safety concerns, property damage, restricted access to the Quad, harassment, and reports of Antisemitism and Islamophobia, left us with no choice but to act to end the encampment.
On August 15, the Supreme Court of BC granted Vancouver Island University an injunction to remove the 110-day-old encampment from the Quad. Tents, tarps, pallets, and other materials were peacefully removed on August 18. Work to restore the Quad ahead of the fall semester is underway.
VIU remains firmly committed to encouraging advocacy and social justice, a perspective that has been emphasized since the encampment was established on May 1. Indeed, many issues today rightfully provoke strong, forceful and opposing views – reflecting their complexity neither side has a monopoly on absolute truth. To foster meaningful dialogue, we must do that – have dialogue. Dissent that cannot hear disagreement is not dialogue; stifling the views of those who hold opposing views is not dialogue. Dialogue and protest can act to raise awareness and beckon others – and in doing so, it can convince rather than hector.
During this protest, this is what I have become convinced of and offered to the proposals in July that:
- VIU needs an Ethical Investment and Sourcing Taskforce: As such, I will convene a task force with equal representation from students and employees. This group will develop the terms of reference for an ongoing committee tasked with advising the Board of Governors on ethical and sustainable investment and sourcing at our university. Expect a call for membership to happen in September.
- VIU needs a clear Framework for Protest Activity and Security Relations on Campus: I will form a committee comprising faculty, students, and administrators to review policies and procedures related to protest activity and security protocols. This committee will make recommendations to help VIU adopt a more modern and inclusive framework for managing protest activities, campus security, and associated interactions. Expect a call for membership to happen in September.
- VIU needs to remain vigilant in ensuring that all forms of intolerance, including racism, sexism and xenophobia, have no place on our campus: These behaviours harm individuals and weaken the very fabric of our community. It is our collective responsibility to stand against hate and foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Although we differ, our strength lies in our shared values of fresh perspectives and deep connections. These principles are crucial to supporting each other and fostering a positive, inclusive community. Managing the many risks was complex for everyone. I appreciate the professionalism with which the VIU community handled the situation.
Finally, I encourage members of our community to reach out for support if they feel they need it. Support, counselling, and wellness information for employees can be found on our Employee and Family Assistance Program homepage. Supports for students, including counselling, wellness, and information for students in distress, can be found on the VIU Counselling website. Students with questions are encouraged to contact officeofVPStudents@viu.ca. You can also visit our Encampment FAQs webpage for regular updates.
In the coming months, we will continue to strengthen our VIU community. I am confident we will embrace our full potential together.
Take care,
Deborah Saucier, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor, Vancouver Island University
Tags: Announcements
