No guests allowed in residence for Homecoming

residents get rowdy at Homecoming 2015 - photo: mikaela Jahrig

Homecoming is a weekend celebrated by many. Over a thousand StFX graduates return to campus every year, to catch up with old friends and see the changes that both the university and Antigonish have gone through since they received their X-Rings and walked the campus as undergrads. Current students see the weekend as a reason for celebration, and there are parties and community events back to back for the entirety of the three days. Saturday brings the crowd to the StFX field where, this year, the X-Men will kick off against the Saint Mary’s Huskies at 2pm for one of the biggest games of the season. Students come dressed in blue and white, with signs and face paint ready for a day hyped up with school spirit.

For many years, current students living in residence had the opportunity to sign in friends coming from different universities to join in the celebrations. The minute the sign-up opened, Resident Assistants (RA’s) and House Directors (HD’s) were bombarded with residents attempting to get their friends name on the coveted list. Once the weekend rolled around, bracelets were handed out and only those with the right coloured bracelet would be allowed into the corresponding residence. However, this year, the university has decided that guests are no longer welcome for Homecoming.

Bob Hale, Head of Student Services, states, “We have historically had a lot of damage by guests in the residences and we are trying to minimize it this year. There are lots of events to celebrate Homecoming, so honestly, I do not believe it will take away from the celebrations." Just last year, Homecoming resulted in thousands of dollars of damages in most residences, with broken ceiling tiles, holes punched in walls, and overall disregard for school property. Therefore, it seems logical that the university decided to ban guests completely, although students are certainly not happy with the decision.

Applications for Residence Assistants (RAs) were open much longer than normal last year, and Residence Life seemed desperate to get enough students willing to step up and man the halls of residences. This year, staff is extremely tight and many are working more than they had expected to be. Homecoming, especially when guests are welcome, is a stressful time for Res Life staff as RAs are posted at every doorway checking bracelets in each and every residence, not to mention dealing with conflict brought on by drunk, excitable students. RAs were reluctant to work in some residences, subsequently leaving them short staffed. Therefore, the decision to ban students from other universities appears to have also been brought on by the lack of staff to control situations that may arise.

Although many current students have expressed resentment towards the no guest policy, Homecoming is certainly a weekend catered to the returning alumnus, with campus tours, a Welcome Home dinner, and the President’s Reception and Golden Grad Dinner - this year honoring the Class of 1966 on the fifty-year anniversary of their graduation. Students and the university are still optimistic that Homecoming will go smoothly, provided weather is cooperative. 

New Sexual Assault Policy

Some Professors Concerned with Expanded Definition of Sexualized Violence

There will soon be a new policy regarding sexual assault and sexual violence at StFX. In response to concerns about sexual assault, the university administration is proposing a new framework to define sexual assault and sexual violence and to lay out the steps that ought to be taken to respond to these cases. This new policy has been the subject of consultations with faculty and staff, and some faculty have indicated concern about the policy, including philosophy professor Christopher Byrne.

In an email circulated to all faculty, Dr. Byrne outlined his concerns with the policy. He particularly takes issue with the proposed definitions of sexual violence, which he finds far too broad. For example, part of the definition of sexual violence in the new policy reads, “Acts of sexual violence include: unwanted sexual comments or advances; coercion of another person’s sexuality by physical or psychological intimidation; and/or the denial of another person’s sexual decision-making rights.”

As Dr. Byrne writes, “The way in which the new policy defines sexual violen [...] creates a problem: sexual violence will now be defined so broadly that the type of behaviour henceforth subject to punishment will be expanded enormously, far beyond what would normally be considered to be acts of sexual violence. Some of the types of behaviour that would now count as sexual violence sound rather odd; for example, it is hard to see how sexual violence should include the denial of another person’s sexual decision-making rights (this phrase seems to suggest that we are guilty of sexual violence if we deny someone else’s request for sexual favours).”

He also questions the need for this new policy, considering that numerous policies already exist to govern the issue of sexual assault. “We already have several policies on this matter, which collectively govern the conduct of all StFX students, faculty, and staff. Why, then, do we need yet another policy on sexual assault? Why don’t we just enforce the many policies that we already have?” 

Dr. Byrne claims that there are issues with clarity in the policy, which makes it challenging to figure out what exactly constitutes sexual assault under these new rules. “In part, the new definition of sexual assault is rather obscure; violating someone else’s ‘sexual integrity’ is henceforth to be considered sexual assault, but no light is shed on just what ‘sexual integrity’ is.    Most important, among the many types of behaviour that will now count as sexual assault is exercising ‘control’ in such a way as to make someone else feel uncomfortable. In other words, doing anything that would make someone else uncomfortable is now to be considered an act of sexual assault and, therefore, sexual violence.”

In a interview with the Xaverian, Dr. Byrne expanded on this point. This new definition of sexual assault is significantly broader than the criminal code definition. According to the professor, this is a concern for students because of “the notion that if you leave StFX with a conviction of sexual assault, people are going to think of the criminal code definition of sexual assault.”

Dr. Byrne explains that the StFX administration recently informed the faculty that these new rules will only apply to students. “This is more of an issue for students; if what we were told on Wednesday [during consultations with staff] is correct, it won’t apply to faculty and staff.”

The Xaverian also reached out to Women’s and Gender studies professor Rachel Hurst to hear her point of view. She is a member of the committee that helped design the new policy on sexual assault, and she addressed several potential criticisms of the new policy via email. In the email, Dr. Hurst explains what motivated her to seek a new sexual assault policy. 

“Please note that I am not speaking on behalf of the committee, or even as a member of the committee, but rather as a concerned faculty member to whom students disclose sexual assaults, and have done so each year since I came in 2009. They have done this not only because they trust me, but because there has been a shameful lack of information and clear direction available to them on their options [after a sexual assault]. The primary purpose of the policy is to provide a resource and clear framework that spells out options for the students, who have been underserved for so long.” 

Hurst defends the new definition of sexual violence, writing, “Regarding the argument that the definition of ‘sexual violence’ is too broad/vague: In constructing this policy, we have sought out national and international research and best policy practices related to sexualized violence prevention and definitions and approaches to disclosure, reporting, and community education. All of the definitions we have used and policy conclusions we have reached are drawn from policies that have been enacted at other progressive universities in North America, and in consultation with relevant policies at StFX (notably, the Community Code and the Discrimination and Harassment Policy). Part of the challenge, of course, is that in general it is difficult for some to recognize emotional and psychological violence as ‘real’.”

President's Colloquium on Refugees

The first President’s Colloquium of 2016 was hosted in Lane Hall on Feb 2nd. The subject of the speech: the Syrian War and its resulting refugee crisis, which affects its surrounding countries and most of the European Union. The goal of the colloquium was to raise awareness of this large problem and get people involved in the issue, and it also aimed to promote a positive view on the integration of refugees into Canadian Society. 

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Tareq Hudhud speaks about his experiences as a Syrian Refugee. Photo - Dylan Lawrence

Even though a residence may seem like an odd place to host such an event, the Pit served its purpose well and was filled to capacity. The opening speech was given by Dr. Kent MacDonald, the President of StFX. Dr. MacDonald opening with the importance of the discussion, recognizing the importance of SAFE (the Syrian-Antigonish Families Embrace), and the opening of the committee StFX for SAFE, run by Benjamin McGrath.

MacDonald praised the work of SAFE, saying, “This movement, this outreach behind our university and community, is what really makes StFX strong [and] unique”.

He went on to introduce the key speakers of the event, such as Tareq Hadhad and his family, the first Syrian refuges who have been settled in the Antigonish area, quoting Hadhad’s story as “an amazing tale of survival, and one of great humanitarian crisis that is perhaps even worse today than it was last month.” Another person of interest who opened Mr. Hadhad’s speech following Dr. Kent MacDonald’s introduction was Dr. Joseph Khoury. The StFX English Professor was actually a refugee himself, hailing from Lebanon. 

Khoury introduced Hadhad’s story by putting the refugee crisis in statistical perspective. “Syria is not a huge country. In 2013, it had the population of 22 million. That’s 22 times the population of Nova Scotia on a country that is only three times our size…and about half that population are now refugees. Of those, six million have fled Syria and six million are internally displaced…320 thousand people have been killed, or to put that into perspective, about 1 200 people a week. Of those killed, over 120 thousand are children, and 1.5 million have been wounded or permanently disabled.” He continued, drawing light on the size and scale of the refuge crisis, saying, “Six million - that’s six times the population of Nova Scotia - are without home, without food, water, medicine, or heat for the cold. The majority of these poor souls are women and children - in fact, about one half are children.” He went on to mention his past struggles as a refugee, and his escape to Canada. “We escaped, and were welcomed by the wonderful people of Ottawa, and we remain grateful.”

Tareq Hadhad took the floor afterwards, explaining his story. A young man, only 23, he was finishing his education in the field of Medicine at the University of Damascus when the war started. He explained the impact of the war on his city, and his home in the southern suburbs of Damascus. “Our whole family lived in one building. This is the Syrian kind of life. It was a peaceful life; everything was arranged to be a bright future for us all.” He continued with his perspective on the bombing of his University, which happened only three hours after his narrow escape back to the place where he grew up, and the terror he experienced, saying, “Thoughts of leaving Syria started when I came back from university...a rocket hit near us. This was the most danger me and my brother faced.” Though luckily neither Hudhud nor his brother were injured in the attack, it was a close call - one that was enough to convince him and his family to depart for Lebanon, where they would spend over a year before being accepted into Canada. As it is illegal to be a refugee in Lebanon, each day was dangerous and conditions in the camp where they stayed were poor. “The victims of Syria are those who are still there, who face the hardest of conditions,” he finished. Yet despite the adversity, Hadhad displayed a great sense of humour, and his English was quite refined for only having spent little over a month and a half in the country.  

The final part of the Colloquium emphasized the importance of action, with the overall theme of the evening being one of narrow escape and hope for humanity. “There is nothing truer than helping another human being,” Dr. Khoury said.

Those who pass by Governors Hall and Somers and Powers apartments will see that the telltale thermometer sitting on the island of grass in between the roads in and out of StFX now reads 30 thousand, with the actual number being “closer to 35”, according to Khoury. Dr. MacDonald personally put forward 5 000 dollars in StFX’s name, while Sylvia Phee of the Unifor Local 2107 mentioned the Union would also donate 5 000 dollars, with an additional 1 000 dollars from the local chapel.  

Fundraising continues for SAFE and the Syrian Refugees, with the long term goal of raising $100 thousand and bringing two more refugee families to Antigonish

Professors Give Refugees a New Home

StFX faculty members work with SAFE to bring refugees to Antigonish

As the refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East continues to grow, governments in the European Union are facing a serious pressure to accept more displaced families. While some, like Germany, have offered to take significant numbers, many others are still hesitant to open their doors. Canada and the United States have been reluctant, committing to taking in only 25 000 and 10 000 refugees respectively. This is a fairly small number compared to Germany, which has already taken in over 450 000 and has pledged to take 800 000 this year. However, in Canada there are many people and organizations taking it upon themselves to raise money to bring refugee families to Canada. 

The Syrian-Antigonish Families Embrace, also known as the SAFE Society, has pledged to do just that, and is currently raising money to bring one refugee family to Antigonish as soon as possible. Physics Professor Michael Steinitz, however, believes that this is not enough. In late September, Dr. Steinitz sent an email decrying the inaction of Canada in the face of the refugee crisis. The was a strong response was heard, and a committee of five professors was assembled, including Dr. Michael Steinitz himself, Dr. Norine Verberg, Dr. Linda Darwish, Dr. Elizabeth McGibbon and Dr. Joseph Khoury. The committee has been named “StFX for SAFE”, and is currently working in collaboration with the SAFE society to bring many refugee families to the Antigonish area. 

At a committee meeting last Wednesday, representatives from faculty, staff, administration, and the student’s union discussed goals and fundraising initiatives in order to begin bringing families to Antigonish. The overall goal of $100 000 will allow for the support of 4 families, and with the promise of each family’s sponsorship of approximately $25 000 to be matched by the government. This funding will provide support for a year in Antigonish, including necessities such as winter clothing, housing costs, school supplies, and more. 

Dr. Kent MacDonald attended the committee meeting as well, and committee members were pleased with the amount of support received from the President, as well other members of the StFX community. English professor Dr. Joseph Khoury said he was thankful for all the support the initiative has already received, and he believes that it “speaks to the best of human impulses to help and protect”.

Nursing professor Elizabeth McGibbon added that she felt the commit was “follow[ing] STFX’s roots in social justice action and [demonstrating] our current commitment to humanitarian efforts locally and globally.”

Although the committee acknowledges it is a challenge to achieve such lofty goals in such a short period of time, StFX for SAFE believes that the St.FX community spirit will be enough to pull it off. Many members of the committee also have a personal connection to, and understanding of, the refugee crisis, whether from relatives, previous work experience or family history, making the achievement of the goal a “priority”, says Dr. Khoury. 

Those looking to get involved with the project can like the SAFE Society Facebook page, or email any committee member for more information. StFX for SAFE hopes to have specific fundraising events established soon, in an effort to reach the $100 000 goal as soon as possible. In the meantime, donations can be made directly to the SAFE Society at safefamiliesembrace@gmail.com, or via cheque, with tax receipts available for donations over fifty dollars. Any indication of involvement with the StFX community will direct funds to the “StFX for SAFE” account, helping to reach the goal of bringing at least four refugee families to the safe harbour of the Antigonish community.