Montreal , February 18, 2014
The SSMU Listserv sent on 25 January 2014 titled “Apology” was the result of a decision made by the SSMU Legislative Council. Following the processes outlined in the SSMU Equity Policy[1], a recommendation was made to the Council which was adopted on December 5, 2013. At a subsequent meeting of the Legislative Council on February 6, 2014, the decision to reverse the original vote and send the entirety of the recommendation back to the SSMU Equity Commissioner for revision failed.
Immediately after the Listserv was sent, there was an influx of responses from students and other members of the McGill community, the majority of which expressed confusion, concern, and disagreement with the necessity of an apology. Although a few thanked VP Farnan for his letter, most expressed that the apology reflected badly upon the SSMU.
As an Executive, we are charged with upholding SSMU’s values, and to maintain our commitment to Service, Representation, and Leadership[2]. In this case, that meant following through on a decision made by the Legislative Council.
Comments from students regarding the apology have been noted by the SSMU. Since September 2013, the SSMU Equity Policy has been under review and will continue with more avenues for students to contribute their input following the response to the Listserv.
About SSMU
The Students’ Society of McGill University is an independent organization which is accountable to it’s membership, made up of undergraduate students on the McGill University Downtown Campus. Created over a century ago, the SSMU has as a mission to represent and defend the needs of students, to offer unique services that are adapted to student needs, and to be a leader in social, cultural, and environmental issues. With the help of its members, SSMU puts on numerous events, facilitates over 250 clubs and services. Through their uniqueness and continual presence in the community, these activities are a source of pride for McGill students of the present, past, and future.
Please contact Katie Larson, SSMU President with any additional requests.
Email: president@ssmu.mcgill.ca
Phone: (514) 398-6801
Site: www.ssmu.ca
Katie Larson, President
Brian Farnan, Vice President (Internal Affairs)
Joey Shea, Vice President (University Affairs)
Tyler Hofmeister Vice President (Finance and Operations)
Stefan Fong Vice President (Clubs and Services)
Samuel Harris Vice President (External Affairs)
