President Loreman’s Wednesday Update, September 9, 2020.
Posted on: Sep 9, 2020
Dear CUE Community,
A small number of our students will have received messages indicating that classes are cancelled for the next two days because the instructor has decided to participate in what is known as a ‘scholars strike’. This is an unofficial action that comes out of the University of Toronto, and is designed to draw attention to a range of issues, including racism.
Concordia stands against racism. Our Board recently approved an institutional statement on inclusion and diversity, and we have robust policies against discrimination and harassment. We are in the process of distributing a series of small grants aimed at encouraging inclusive projects around our university, and we are developing a framework to help us promote inclusion at CUE in an organized and systematic way.
However, I do not support or condone cancelling classes and other elements of this ‘strike’ because doing so directly disadvantages our students, and comes at a time when many are already struggling due to the pandemic. If your classes have been suddenly cancelled by your professor or sessional instructor, please accept my apologies. I hope that moving forward we can find more productive ways of combating racism together.
On another topic, I want to thank everyone who has complied with our sometimes annoying protocols while on campus. Having to sign in and out, maintain physical distance, and other measures can be onerous, but I have been really pleased to see that our community shares a concern about safety during COVID-19. Mask wearing is required and for the most part we have been doing very well. While in public indoor areas on campus please keep your mask over your nose and mouth, and please don’t be offended if someone offers you a friendly reminder if your mask slips.
Finally, the Concordia Commitment is an amazing free program designed to enhance your study at CUE and provide pathways to a career or further study once you complete your degree. The last day for students to register is September 25 so check it out and sign up!
Wishing you all a wonderful week,
Stay safe, stay home, stay healthy.
Tim Loreman, PhD.
President and Vice Chancellor.