An evening of talking about not talking
Your Nov. 6 UVSS meeting recap
The very serious issue of sexual harassment that has been dominating the media and the upper echelons of Hollywood has arrived on our doorsteps — or rather, on the bulletin board of the Third Space Women’s Centre, prompting legal action from the UVSS.
Confused? Let’s start at the beginning.
The Third Space Women’s Centre, also known as the Feminist Undergraduate Community Collective (forming the acronym FUCC UVSS), allege that a UVSS employee has had “inappropriate” contact with female students that could be considered sexual harassment.
According to a post on the Third Space website, UVSS management was made aware of the allegations and informed the Third Space that an investigation would ensue. Third Space also posted a sign on the bulletin board outside of their office in the SUB that, according to their post, contained the following message: “#metoo. Unions usually protect sexual predators, especially if they are subtle.”
The Third Space also details how the UVSS General Manager, Dale Robertson, emailed the collective regarding their sign, requesting that it be taken down due to potential liability on behalf of the UVSS.Third Space, claiming the sign constituted their right to free speech, were then served with a ‘Cease and Desist’ order from a lawyer acting on behalf of the UVSS.
So, this set the stage for the Nov. 6 meeting.
On Monday night, during constituency and committee reports, Daphne Shaed, Volunteer Elected Coordinator for Third Space, stood up and addressed the board. “I have a little handout for you all,” she said, circulating copies of the cease and desist orders received by the Third Space to the board and to members of the gallery.
A member of the board tried to stop Shaed (“This is out of order,” they said), due to the confidential nature of the handouts. In response, the majority of the board favoured to go immediately “in camera” (for the uninitiated, this means the room is emptied save the board members in order to protect legal confidentiality).
Shaed argued that the conversation should include all members of the Third Space collective, and, as a result, the gallery stalled. Instead, the board motioned for a 10-minute recess which was granted.
Following the adjournment, the board flew through other committee reports — a welcome pause from the contentious issue. In brief:
- A Native Students Union (NSU) representative, Bradley Thom, was ratified.
- Anmol Swaich, Director of Campaigns and Community Relations, attended a Lobby Day and UBC Alma Mater Society where comprehensive needs-based grant programs were discussed. The UVSS is also cognizant of the need for more housing on the university campus and adequate legislation to protect renter’s rights. Swaich discussed their focus on fundraising for mental health and sexualized violence prevention — the latter assertion drawing sniggers from a group populating the gallery.
- Noor Chasib, Director of Events, said his committee is focused on a shuttle service for reading break. The mention of a potential “puppy playtime” drew a collective “awww.”
- Mackenzie Cumberland, Director of Finance and Operations, said the committee is focused on improving the Health and Dental plan. Pierre-Paul Angelblazer reminded the group of the upcoming Health and Dental Town Hall this Thursday from 4pm.
Following these reports, the board cited the need to follow their established Constitution and Bylaws, which dictate that in camera sessions are restricted to board members only. The board then motioned again to move in camera, and with lead feet, the gallery was emptied out into the foyer for a second in camera session, which lasted almost an hour. Just over 40 people returned for question period.
Daphne Shaed asked the first question: “What exactly did the board accomplish this year?” It set the tone for the next twenty minutes.
In summation, the gallery asked questions that the board said they weren’t legally allowed to answer.
“We cannot comment on personnel matters due to the legal ramifications of doing so, but we absolutely condemn sexual harassment,” said Cumberland.
And as for that sign? “This is part of legal matter that we cannot comment on,” said Robertson.
Although question time was extended twice, no headway was made on that particular (or any other) matter, and the room descended into loud chattering.
To discuss new motions, Angelblazer raised his voice to a comical boom to drown out the agitated gallery. To conclude: Jocelyn Wilson was elected to the search committee for the Chair of Psychology, and Kasper Boss-Moodie was elected to the search committee for the Chair of Visual Arts. There were no candidates for the search committee for the Chair of Religious Studies. The African and Caribbean Students Association was ratified as a club.
When a third motion was made to go in camera and eventually adjourn the meeting, all were in favour — board members and weary gallery alike. Finally, something the room agreed on.
