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November 8, 2010
Highlights of statements of participants at the CPCCA Hearings
The
accusation that Canadian University campuses are a hotbed of
anti-Semitism was refuted at the CPCCA hearings by representatives of
major universities.
Mr. Robert Steiner, Assistant Vice-President, University of Toronto
There is no evidence of
generalized anti-Semitism on U of T’s campuses. There is no evidence of
Jewish students being systemically harassed and intimidated on our
campuses. There is no evidence that it is dangerous to be a pro-Israeli
student, faculty member, or staff member on our campuses—in fact, quite
the opposite.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/09.11.24transcript-E.pdf
Prof. Patrick Monahan, Vice-President Academic and Provost, York University
I really can't comment
internationally. I don't have a basis to make a judgment. I can tell
you, though, that I do not think this university.... And I resent,
quite frankly, individuals such as this who may not have ever been
here. I don't know what his basis is for suggesting that Jewish
students are avoiding the campus. … But I do know that if
irresponsible statements are made that are repeated by credible
leaders, I expect it may well have an impact on students. That's not
because the students ought to fear coming here; they are told to fear
coming here and they don't.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/09.11.24transcript-E.pdf
Dr. Fred Lowy President Emeritus, Concordia University
What I'm happy to say—as Mr.
Steiner just did with regard to the University of Toronto—is that by
and large, I think Canadian campuses are safe. They are not hotbeds of
anti-Semitism or racism of any kind, although, of course, these
conditions do occur, as they do in society generally. (Dr. Lowy
is himself Jewish)
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/09.11.24transcript-E.pdf bottom of page 5
University administrators defended freedom of expression even if ideas expressed were offensive to some.
Dr. Morton Mendelson, Deputy Provost of Student Life and Learning, McGill University
Accepting and protecting
another's right to express a point of view does not preclude our right
to express our own opposing opinion. But there is a crucial difference
between expressing disagreement and preventing others from presenting
their views in the first place. Keeping others from speaking, or
otherwise stifling debate or exploration, violates the concept of free
speech that is fundamental to a university, and thereby attacks the
very core of the academy.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/10.01.25transcript-E.pdf
Dr. Jack Lightstone, President and Vice-Chancellor, Brock University
We can't look into the soul of
someone and say, “Your criticism of Israel is really based on your
anti-Semitic sentiments.” We can't do that as a people, as a
government, or as a society, nor should we.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/10.01.25transcript-E.pdf
Prof. Patrick Monahan, Vice-President Academic and Provost, York University
We look for political leaders,
such as you, community leaders, and community organizations to show
leadership, balance, and moderation in their expression of views, as
opposed to taking extreme positions that are not supported by
evidence. … That is a concern we have. Obviously, I speak
as a representative of this university. We would hope that your report
and the work of your committee would not in any way contribute further
to it.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/09.11.24transcript-E.pdf
The
police chiefs who testified at the hearings did not see anti-Semitism
as a problem in their communities and made the distinction between
offensive language and criminal acts.
Clive Weighill, Chief of Police, Saskatoon Police Service
It would be my opinion that in the city of Saskatoon the probable flash
point for racism or discrimination will occur against a first nations
or Métis community or the gay and lesbian and transgender community. We
have not had any incidents at a Jewish religious function or a
Holocaust memorial.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/10.02.08transcript-E.pdf
Sergeant John Burchill, Winnipeg Police Service
Unpopular, distasteful, and even
offensive expressions are not criminal. Clearly, an expression must go
a long way before it qualifies as hateful in the criminal sense.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/10.02.08transcript-E.pdf
NDP MP
Judy Wasylycia-Leis a member of the CPCCA and ardent supporter of
Israel expressed concern that the committee is going too far.
Ms. Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Member of Parliament, Winnipeg North
People are looking at this process and our committee right now and
wondering and asking me and others whether we should really be involved
in something that looks like it's a front for the Conservatives to see
that any criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic. That's not the point of
this group. We're not here to do that. We're here to have a look at
serious anti-Semitism in this country, but by no means to impede
freedom of expression to the point where we make generalizations that
make the situation even worse.
Transcript: http://www.cpcca.ca/10.01.25transcript-E.pdf
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