The Central Student Association (CSA) and CUPE 1334 have cancelled a federal debate scheduled to have taken place Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the University of Guelph.
In a statement released earlier today by the CSA and CUPE 1334, the organizers explained their decision to not invite the candidate representing the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), saying that “the decision was made to not invite the PPC candidate because of their policies and platforms that discriminate against people in the University of Guelph community, particularly marginalized groups, and therefore contradict the work of the CSA and CUPE 1334 to make an inclusive campus for all students and workers.”
The organizers go on to explain, “We do not want to compromise the safety of our students or workers by bringing this candidate and their supporters to campus therefore this event has been cancelled.”
A copy of the statement can be viewed below along with a transcript.
STATEMENT (October 2, 2019)
The Central Students’ Association (CSA) represents all undergraduate students at the University of Guelph and CUPE 1334 represents 250 workers on campus and both unions operate under an anti- oppressive mandate and a commitment to upholding equity and protecting marginalized groups from hate and violence on campus. In order to ensure the safety of students and workers on campus, the decision to cancel the event was made by the organizers.
In January, the Ontario Conservative government mandated universities to adopt Free Speech Policies. Failure to comply in implementing these policies would result in losses in provincial government funding for post-secondary institutions. The Freedom of Speech Policies introduced from the Premier’s office is heavy handed. Students should be able to make the informed decision of who adds to thoughtful debate and who is not invited on the grounds of safety, hate and discrimination. Student unions and labour unions have the rights and freedoms not to invite individuals to have a platform to speak on campus in instances where doing so would jeopardize or compromise our anti-oppressive mandate and the safety of our students and workers. Based on the platform of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), the decision was made to not invite the PPC candidate because of their policies and platforms that discriminate against people in the University of Guelph community, particularly marginalized groups, and therefore contradict the work of the CSA and CUPE 1334 to make an inclusive campus for all students and workers.
The location of this event being set to take place on university property subjects the decision of the organizers to exclude this candidate from participating in this debate to the freedom of speech policies of the university. These policies force post-secondary institutions to accept hateful language in their spaces under the guise of free speech, which is unacceptable. The organizers of this event stand by the decision not to let the PPC candidate speak on campus. We do not want to compromise the safety of our students or workers by bringing this candidate and their supporters to campus therefore this event has been cancelled for the reasons outlined above.
This Federal Election is important. Youth (including students) are the largest voting block in this election. There is an opportunity to vote for candidates that will support young people living in Canada and to vote to support workers’ rights to free collective bargaining. The event was organized with the intent of bringing candidates to campus to hear from students and workers directly and for them to be able to learn about their platforms.
Here are some upcoming events in the community where students will be able to hear from the Guelph candidates and ask them questions about their parties and platforms:
What: 100 Debates on the Environment Candidates Debate
When: October 3rd, 7-9pm
Where: Centennial CVI, 289 College Ave West
What: Chamber of Commerce All Candidates Debate
When: Wednesday, October 9th, 6-8pm
Where: City Hall Council Chambers
Any questions and concerns regarding this decision can be sent to:
Horeen Hassan, CSA VP External
Jensen Williams, CUPE 1334
Editor’s note: we will continue to cover this story as it develops.
