Women’s Centre’s annual general meeting abruptly adjourned following disruption

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Following incident, U of R president says university has zero tolerance for hate, misogyny, racism

The annual general meeting of the University of Regina Women’s Centre was just getting underway on March 14, when something loud, unpleasant and unexpected happened.

Several people in the crowd start talking, disrupted the proceedings and the event was quickly adjourned.

Protective services officers were called in and at one point were asking certain attendees to leave.

Now, the University of Regina says it’s investigating exactly what happened.

On Monday, U of R president Jeff Keshen sent a letter to all students, faculty and staff.

“As an institution, we take this matter very seriously. We are currently investigating all pertinent information and are prepared to take appropriate action, Keshen said.

“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 conduct of employees, students, and third parties on our campus reflect our Respectful University Policy. There is zero tolerance for hate, racism, misogyny, and intimidation at the University of Regina.”

The AGM was billed as an opportunity for the women’s centre to discuss the work it does and let people show their support.

With about 100 people in attendance, it began with a blessing from knowledge keeper Kenny Awais, but things very quickly took a turn.

Some attendees spoke from the crowd, indicating they were unhappy with the proceedings because some people were “fasting.”

One person approached the table where Awais was speaking and interrupted the blessing.

A woman said she believed that the appointment of the chair had not been decided yet and she wanted to clarify the situation during the meeting.

Board member Debra Schubert tried to announce how to vote for the board’s executive but multiple discussions continued. Schubert told attendees that there would be time for questions at the end and not to interrupt the meeting or it would be adjourned.

Shortly after, the meeting was indeed adjourned.

The protective services officers got involved in clearing the room, but later when the The Carillion reached out to the unit, they declined to comment.

In an Instagram post later, Schubert said what happened with the people who disrupted the meeting was “disgusting” and disrespectful.

“The violence and disruption we witnessed were rooted in misogyny, plain and simple,” Schubert said in the post. “This incident is a stark reminder of why we need safe spaces for women students of all backgrounds. Ensuring safety and respect for women is not up for debate, and we must remain focused on that priority.”

The annual general meeting is going to be rescheduled, with the date yet to be announced.

The UR Women’s Centre has been in the news in recent months after the students’ union, URSU, passed a motion in support of holding a student referendum on cutting funding to the organization. It gets much of its budget from a $6 student levy.

The Carillon has reported that the students’ union says that URWC has not  been in compliance with its agreements, in terms of finances, board elections and other matters.

The Carillon also reported last year that URWC says it has encountered “hostility” from and been “targeted” by the students’ union.

In response to the Instagram post, the women’s centre received a number of online comments, including “We stand strong with you” and “Nothing but my endless support”.