U of R says it’s working with to URSU to ensure ongoing support is provided to centre
The University of Regina is embroiled in a controversy following the abrupt cancellation of the Women Centre’s annual general meeting, sparking tension among students and reaction from the University of Regina Students’ Union.
The issue has drawn responses from the university administration, URSU board members and individual students.
President’s letter addresses concerns
The controversy began when the Women Centre’s AGM on March 14 was abruptly adjourned due to a disruption at the beginning of the meeting. The exact details of the commotion has not been confirmed by administration, but U of R president Jeff Keshen issued a letter acknowledging the situation and reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Keshen’s statement, which was shared with students via email and posted on U of R’s Facebook page, emphasized the university remains committed to fostering fairness.
The letter states that administration is working with URSU “to ensure ongoing support is provided to the Women’s Centre and the services it provides.”
“ I wish to be crystal clear,” Keshen continues “Our top priority is to ensure that no students are ever made to feel intimidated or threatened at the University of Regina.”“Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Regina. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community, and it is important that the conduct of employees, students, and third parties on our campus reflect those values. There is zero tolerance for hate, racism, misogyny, and intimidation at the University of Regina.”
While the letter did not directly assign blame, it urged students to work collectively towards a resolution.
URSU denies involvement in AGM Amid the controversy, URSU board members have been at the center of speculation, with some students saying people from URSU disrupted the meeting.
In a public statement , the URSU board denied any involvement in the disruption. Later at an URSU board meeting, some members agreed they were there but claimed they were just attending as students and not involved in the disruption.
In an Instagram post, URSU says it only became involved after the AGM, when students “who felt harassed and mistreated” came to the students’ union for assistance.
URSU said it is in discussions with the U of R administration to make sure students “are given a fair opportunity to present their accounts of what transpired. ”
The group says that it wants the actions of protective services to be scrutinized. As calls for transparency grow louder, all eyes are on the Women Centre and URSU for further responses.
