Black Student Advising and Mentorship Program at StFX

The Black Student Advising Office is an organization that promotes and honours the rich and diversified African cultures here at StFX. They work to organize events to celebrate those cultures, as well as support, advocate for, and guide students of African descent in their journey in university. Students of any race, faith, or culture are welcome to join in on their activities and take advantage of any of their resources, which include—but are not limited to—academic supports, advising services, and financial resources. People of African descent have a long and vibrant past in Nova Scotia, and the Advising Office wants to recognize the communities who have called Nova Scotia their home, as well as those who have been marginalized within it.

Recently, the office has gone through a few changes, and the previous role of the African Descent Student Affairs Coordinator has been remodeled into the new position of the Black Student Advisor. These are students who provide one-one one support for Black and African Nova Scotian students who may be struggling with organizational, study, and/or time-management skills. They work further to assist students with tutoring services and course content. Advisors also celebrate Black culture by hosting on-campus activities for all to enjoy, and work with stakeholders to ensure that these events promote culture and diversity to the highest degree. Additionally, they help connect students with volunteer opportunities and various mentorship programs. The top priority of a Black Student Advisor is to address students’ needs in any way they can to help them thrive in both their post-secondary years and post-university careers. Black Student Advisors provide many services and supports to encourage students to achieve success. StFX affirms that Black lives matter and have spoken about their wishes to address the issues of colonialism, racism, and sexism. Black Student Advisors are here to mediate and advocate for Black and African Nova Scotian students for concerns relating to culturally sensitive and academic issues.

The Black Student Advising office is located on the fourth floor of the Bloomfield Centre & Students’ Union Building in the Diversity Engagement Centre. This is a space that aims to support traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups on campus. For more information, students can visit the Black Student Advising Office’s Instagram @stfxblackstudentadvising or visit their web page https://www.mystfx.ca/equity/black-student-advising.

Are Students and Faculty Bearing StFX’s Debt?

A report prepared by the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers named A Culture of Entitlement: An Overview of Administrative Compensation at Eight Nova Scotia Universities shows some very shocking results. The report looks at several things including the major increases of senior administrator’s salaries throughout the years. During these wage increases, StFX is facing debt, has faced a pandemic, and students have seen tuition, residence, and meal hall cost increase. After talking to senior administration, they say that many of the findings in this report are misinformation.

ANSUT represents contract academic staff, full time faculty, and librarians at the following universities: Acadia, l’Université Sainte-Anne, the Atlantic School of Theology, Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, Mount Saint Vincent University, Saint Mary’s University, and StFX.The data in the report shows that, in Nova Scotia in the past 10 years, spending on senior positions has risen 84%, President’s salaries have risen 41%, and Vice-Presidents salaries have increased by 76%.

According to the report, becoming a President at StFX comes with a number of perks. Being the President of StFX gets you accommodation at the Smith House, an annual car allowance of $14,400 (plus car insurance,) your children can receive tuition rebates, $16,000 in research allowance, $5,000 dollars for professional development and a base salary of $325,000.

Additionally, the report says that past President Sean Riley received a bonus of $525,000 when signing his last contract with StFX. He also received a retirement allowance of $733,000. In his last contract, 100% of his premiums were also paid for his 3-million-dollar life insurance, and his son was given an allowance of two flights a year to travel from his post-secondary school to StFX. After reaching out to senior administration, I was notified that not all the information in this report was correct. According to them, StFX did reach out to ANSUT with a request to review their data sources as there were inaccuracies, but ANSUT denied the request.

Senior administration stated the following about the President’s contract: The contract of the President provides no provision for a bonus and no bonuses have been received by the President; the President is entitled to reside in the Smith House for which he is allocated a taxable benefit of $2,000 per month; the car allowance is assigned to the President of $1,200 per month for the lease of a vehicle; the overall automobile allowance is subject to the taxable benefit provisions of the Canadian Revenue Agency; the President’s contract indicates that tuition benefits are not part of the President’s contract; there is no provision for a research allowance in the President’s contract and no research allowance has been awarded to him; the President does not receive an annual $5,000 professional development allowance, and rather the President’s contract identifies $5,000 per year for “Professional Association or Other Expenses.”

 After reviewing the Presidents contract, I found the following to be true: he is given an annual salary of 325,000 CAD; this salary can be increased with the costs of living; the President can be reimbursed for his day to day expenses incurred for fulfilling the role as President with receipts; he is given an automobile allowance of $1200 a month for lease of a vehicle (this adds to 14,400 per year); he is reimbursed for car expenses such as insurance and fuel; he is provided technology (laptop, a smart phone and internet); the President receives $5000 for association and organization fees; in regards to the Smith House, he may live there with heat, power, municipal taxes, general maintenance, capital repairs, and snow removal paid for; the President is entitled to get a 5 week leave for professional development and 5 weeks’ vacation with pay (the 5 weeks of vacation are in addition to statutory holidays in Nova Scotia and the time the university is closed over holidays.)

Additionally, according to the report, StFX paid their four Vice Presidents $1,197,832, in 2020/21. This is a 258% increase since 2012. It must be noted that senior administrators did say that the report was incorrect in stating the number of Vice Presidents provided in the base year.

Ultimately, the report shows that between 2012 and 2021 there was a 108% increase in compensation for all StFX administrators; that number is only 16.5% for faculty, despite the increased student enrollment. Overall, $10,563,511 was paid to university senior administration and upper management in 2020/21. According to the report on average the administrator compensation cost per student is $1812!

Senior administrators did add that the data does not account progression through the ranks on annual economic adjustments and that “the number of positions included in the data on growth in administration positions does not reflect what is actually part of the university’s administrative structure.” For example, positions in the Centre for Employment Innovation, Coady Institute positions, the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, and other locations were not included. On the other hand the report mentions that the data collected in the report is only a small part of total administrative funding. It does not include support staff to help senior administrators, office expenses, travel, and other administrative sources.

Either way, after reading the report it is clear that faculty are not seeing the same benefits administrators do. The report states that, in Nova Scotia, full-time faculty positions only rose by 5% between 2012-2021; on the other hand, upper management positions increased by 73%. Additionally, only 53% of people who teach are under contract. According to the report, this leads to faculty “finding themselves precariously employed, with lower wages, less time to prepare course work, little or no funding for research to stay on top of their subject area, and little time to devote to helping students.”

The report also touches on the unfair treatment faculty faced during the pandemic, saying “At StFX, UNIFOR members were expected to waive a 1.5% cost-of-living increase, and accept two weeks unpaid leave, while NSGEU members had step increases frozen, and were asked to accept the 2019 salary scale, and take a 5% wage rollback.” Senior administrators responded to this statement saying, “due to the pandemic, management/professional staff did not receive their annual economic salary adjustment on July 1, 2020. The university approached our various unions to see if they were willing to make some concessions regarding negotiated salary increases as well, but this was not approved, and all union members received what was provided for in their contracts. The economic adjustment for management/professional staff was reinstated on January 1, 2021, with no retroactive pay.”

Many students can also find themselves struggling. The report shows that Nova Scotia universities pay the highest tuition rates in Canada. The average being $9,028 for Nova Scotians in 2021/22 and the national average being just $6,693. Furthermore, international students pay, on average, 123% above domestic students. Students may have noticed an increase in their fees, and the truth is tuition has been increasing each year for a long time now, even during a global pandemic. When looking at StFX’s budgets throughout the years, there is a pattern of increasing tuition. The StFX 2022-23 budget states a 3% tuition increase. The same goes for the 2021-22 budget and the 2020-21 budget. In 2018-19 the budget shows a tuition increase of 6%.

Staying on campus is also expensive. The cheapest option on campus, a double occupancy room in Cameron, MacIsaac, or MacKinnon Hall will cost you $6,045.00. That’s $755 a month since you can only occupy that shared room for about 8 months of the year. Somers and Powers, a popular second year residence, costs students about $1,118 a month. Considering these apartments occupy four people, they are charging $4,472 for each of these apartments per month. The most expensive residence, a private room in Governors, will cost you about $10,005.00, which is about $1,250 a month!

Let’s not forget about the costs of meal hall. On top of paying for accommodation, students living in most residences are required to buy a meal plan. A ‘block 315,’ which is 315 meals per year, costs $5,170.00, which comes to $16 per meal. So next time you decide to grab a snack for breakfast, remember that banana is costing you $16!

The 2022-2023 StFX budget opens with a statement that StFX has significant accumulated deficits that are now totaling above $25 million, and that the university is carrying a large external debt that is currently at $87 million. Considering this debt, it is wondered if the perks, benefits, and salaries of our upper administrators are maybe just a bit excessive. It seems in many ways that both the faculty and students are bearing these debts rather than the entire StFX community. Ultimately, I encourage students and staff to investigate the report themselves, investigate the budgets, and see exactly where our money is going.

To Father Stanley MacDonald, Class of 1954 -

It has come to our attention that following an alumnus’ hateful, homophobic, and transphobic comments made towards the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community at the Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting on October 14, 2022, that you stood up and spoke in support of us. From the bottom of our hearts, the X-Pride Society would like to thank you for your actions.

As a community that has been fighting to have our voice heard for as long as we can remember, we are grateful to have allies stand up for us when we are not able to. Your actions have spoken louder than words. In speaking against this alumnus and condemning their actions, as well as acknowledging a history of past and present hate towards the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community, it is of our opinion that you are exemplifying what it means to be a true Xaverian.

The St. Francis Xavier University administration may speak about what it means to be a Xaverian; however, you are one of the only people on this campus whose actions accurately represent the values of this community. This moment of hate has been a sobering event for us all and has left many of us feeling abandoned and ignored by the university. It was only upon hearing what you did in support of us that we realised there are people on this campus who care about and support the X-Pride community. Your actions encouraged others to stand with us because you are well-known for your character and morals, and it is likely that without your voice we would have experienced much less support.

Father Stan, it goes without saying that you are a revered member of the St. Francis Xavier University community. For many years, you have been inspiring students to do what is right and what is kind for everyone in our community - this event shows us that you follow through on these beliefs. Thank you for demonstrating this. It means more than you know.

From all of us on the X-Pride Society executive team, our society members, and the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community here at StFX, thank you for being an ally and an activist for us when we couldn’t be there.

Thank you,

Abbi Moran and Maëlle Weber

Co-Presidents, X-Pride Society 2022-23

In Response to Kathleen Sheridan’s Statement From October 20, 2022

To the StFX Alumni Association,

Allow us to thank you for your statement regarding the incident on October 14, 2022. We are pleased to know that the hateful homophobic and transphobic comments have been acknowledged by the Alumni Association. However, we are disappointed and concerned that it took the Association almost a week to make a public statement about this. The only reason we have taken as long as we have to make this statement is in order to protect ourselves against the genuine dangers that we, as 2SLGBTIAA+ members face.

As current fourth-year students, soon to join this alumni community, we feel rightfully concerned that St. Francis Xavier University and the StFX Alumni Association are burying an incident rooted in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community. This incident occurred in regards to the first annual Pride of StFX Awards, set to occur the following morning. This award is given to one fourth-year student and one alumni member who have demonstrated leadership in the 2SLBGTQIAA+ community. During our time at StFX, students are told over and over that we are to respect ourselves and others, as well as our greater community. We are told that that is what it means to a Xaverian. It is what we strive for to be respected by all of our community. That includes the alumni members.

In hearing about this incident, we learned that a revered member of our StFX community, Father Stanley MacDonald, was the first to speak up against the unnamed individual. He spoke against the hateful comments and stood up for those in the 2SLBGBTIAA+ community when we were not there to do it ourselves. This immediate response exemplifies what it means to be a Xaverian. To be a leader in our community is actions such as these.

Further, on a webpage from the official St. Francis Xavier University website discussing the X-Ring, there is a statement which will be included below:

After convocation, you will officially join Canada’s strongest alumni network, a community of more than 40,000 strong who proudly call StFX home. It’s a community that will be there to help and support you as you continue toward your next goal. So much so, the President of StFX’s Alumni Association famously challenges graduates to ‘test the network and discover the comfort and openness of the Xaverian family.’ (https://www.stfx.ca/why-stfx/x-ring)

 How are we supposed to “test the network and discover the comfort and openness of the Xaverian family,” if before we even join the alumni network, we are fighting to be accepted. How are we supposed to call a place home which disagrees in celebrating leadership in the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community?

We are set to become alumni in May of 2023 and we are concerned about how the Alumni Association and the wider StFX community will treat its 2SLGBTQIAA+ members. How can we to “proudly call StFX home,” when the resources meant to support us have instead allowed voices to disrespect and endanger us?

We are grateful for Kathleen Sheridan’s statement; however, that is all it is. Pretty words to cover a dirty incident. Each of us on the X-Pride Executive team are set to receive our X-Rings; however, for the first time since attending StFX, we are no longer excited. Kathleen Sheridan, the Alumni Association, Dr. Andy Hakin, the university administration, and the unnamed individual have proven to us that our voices are not valued or respected, and that you will continue to prioritise hateful rhetoric.

By not naming the individual responsible for the hateful comments, you are protecting him from the consequences of his actions, a lesson we learn as very young children which is perhaps one that he should revisit. For four years, we have been told that being a Xaverian means being respectful of others. You mean to tell us that this individual is someone who upholds these values? This is a person you want in the Xaverian community? Then it is NOT a community.

To the unnamed individual:

In hearing about the actions you took at the Alumni Association meeting on October 14, 2022, we were incredibly disappointed. You caused us to become frightened and scared. Most importantly, however, you managed to remind us why we as X-Pride executives are here. We are here to uphold our community values of acceptance and kindness, peace, and love. This message will hopefully allow you to reflect on your actions and consider how words like those you shared are the reason why 2SLBGTQIAA+ people have been fighting for as long as we have.

The university PR team constantly bombards students with messages about what it means to be a Xaverian, yet the standards we must uphold to support the StFX community does not seem to apply to you and the wider alumni community. In the words of Elizabeth Yeo (read Being Xaverian), being Xaverian means  “...emphasizing that positive community. You’re able to have fun, but you’re doing it with care for your community, and ultimately, that’s what being a community member is about”.

You have demonstrated that you do not believe in taking on community issues in order to build on StFX’s “...long history of social justice, community service, and positive action” (Yeo 2021). If you are not willing to positively contribute to the Xaverian community and support everyone in it, then you do not belong in it. Through this letter, we are ensuring that you are receiving the public scrutiny you should have originally received. It is cowardly to hide behind anonymity.

The X-Pride Executive Team demands that action be taken against this individual. They do not represent the values of a Xaverian. By protecting this alumnus from the consequences of his actions, you are actively showing students that the Xaverian community is not positive because it does not care about its marginalised members.

We, at X-Pride, are ashamed to be Xaverians.

Sincerely,

Abbi Moran & Maëlle Weber

Co-Presidents of X-Pride

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at StFX

On the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, StFX University held a commemorative ceremony for the children that attended residential school. Students were invited to tie an orange ribbon to remember the children that did not make it home and as a sign of acknowledgment and respect of those who attended residential school as well. The ceremony, and the day itself, serve as reminders that the residential school system is not just a relic from Canada’s past. Many students attended the ceremony, including the majority of StFX’s varsity athletes. A moment of silence on campus also occurred at 12:00 p.m. as a sign of respect. Students were asked to wear orange shirts if they had one, as September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day.

Though the university was planning on a much larger ceremony, Hurricane Fiona disrupted those plans. The university intended to have a ceremony similar to last year’s, with speakers and guests from the community and other communities nearby. However, due to power outages and wind damage, the university opted for a smaller ceremony. In the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the university was selling orange shirts designed by StFX student and Indigenous artist Tyler Rankin.

Shirts were available at the library on campus and all proceeds went to the Indigenous Student Society. The Nurturing Netukulimk art exhibition that had opened on campus on September 15th was also open to the public for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The exhibition featured art from many Indigenous students and community members.

Overall, the ceremony was conducted beautifully and the StFX community worked with the resources they had to produce the best result they could. It is likely that next year’s ceremony will return to the previous format.

X-Oceans Outreach: 9th Annual World Oceans Day and Interview with X-Oceans Outreach Director

The 9th annual World Oceans Day celebration at StFX took place in June of 2022. It was a Saturday and a day off for most, but the J. Bruce Brown building was alive, well, and bustling with the crowd. The annual celebration began in 2009 when the United Nations General Assembly officially declared the 8th day of June as “World Oceans Day”. StFX caught up with the celebrations in 2013. It was World Oceans Day from which X-Oceans Outreach was born.

X-Oceans Outreach is a program that is run throughout the year through the biology department, whose director, coordinator, and nurturer is Regina Cozzi. As an avid supporter of the program, I thought this the perfect opportunity to conduct an interview with Mrs. Cozzi.

The first question I asked was: “What are your roles at the university and how did you become involved with X-Oceans Outreach?”

Mrs. Cozzi replied: “I’m a Senior Laboratory Instructor for the first year Biology courses, Bio 111 & 112, and the X-Oceans Outreach Director. X-Oceans evolved from our annual World Oceans Day event hosted by the biology department. Every June since 2013, schoolteachers who attended the events would ask us if we could visit their classrooms to promote marine biodiversity and ocean concepts to their students. So, we started visiting schools with live marine organisms, and it all snowballed from there. We now have a reputable program promoting ocean literacy to youth in rural schools and communities.”

Next, I inquired: “Has X-Oceans evolved from previous years? How so?”

She responded: “Yes, absolutely! The program has evolved tremendously in the last few years, thanks to funding contributions from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and NSERC PromoScience. We’ve developed a strong team of outreach coordinators and hire over 20 student facilitators annually.

We serve 4 neighboring rural counties and reach over 4000 youth per year. Our program was recently endorsed by UNESCO IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission), which is a wonderful achievement!”I wanted to know, considering how active the program is, if she saw X-Oceans expanding in the future. To this she replied: “Yes. I see it expanding to additional geographical regions in the near future. The demand is certainly there, the requests for school visits keep coming in.”

Finally, I asked her: “Is there anything else you’d like to share? A fond memory? A favorite touch tank animal?”

She answered: “I have many fond memories… here’s my latest: Last month, at the end of one of our school visits, one of the kids asked this as we were leaving: “When are you coming back?”. That was very heart-warming. X-Oceans outreach truly has a lasting impact on our youth.”

Indeed, it has! Many of the X-Oceans student facilitators feel a similar way about X-Oceans. “I’ve grown lots of valuable friendships and lots of connections and new knowledge,” says Tyler Reed, an X-Oceans student facilitator in the biology program who was hired this summer. “It was joining X-Oceans that made me realize how fun biology is”, he says. He also tells us about a cool field work job he acquired through the connections he formed at X-Oceans.

The program is not limited to biology students and hires students from a wide range of programs. Over the summer, there have been students from Human Kinetics, Earth Science, Education, PGOV etc. who have made a lasting impact and contributed greatly to the X-Oceans Program by devoting their time and energy as student facilitators and volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering during the school year or are looking for a summer job, send a message to x-oceans@stfx.ca.

PS. Mrs. Cozzi has yet to reveal her favourite touch tank animal. Perhaps you should join X-Oceans to find out!

Creating the It’s Okay Campaign with Josh Kroker

StFX is a university known for its partying, even having been named as “Canada’s top party school” in a Macleans article from 2017. Intrinsic to Xaverian culture is “Wing Night” at the Inn or a night out at Piper’s. But how does this impact students? Many people new to the university may feel overwhelmed and pressured to keep up with others. This is especially true in residences for first year students new to the school who may never have been exposed to anything like this before. There are a few alternatives for students who want to spend a night in, but this doesn’t change the pressure they may feel from peers. This is where the It’s Okay Campaign comes in. The Campaign was created by Josh Kroker, and I had the chance to sit down with him to learn more about the future of the project. Kroker is a second-year student in the Public Policy and Governance program. He is heavily involved in the StFX Student’s Union, having been the first-year rep last year, and a representative on the Board of Governors this year. 

The campaign’s goal is to combat toxic culture on campus surrounding drugs, sex, and alcohol. It acknowledges the pressure students feel to engage in activities with which they may not be completely comfortable. Kroker emphasized how, instead of telling students what not to do, the campaign aims to change mindsets and let students know that it’s okay to take a night off. When asked if the campaign provides alternate option for students, Kroker said he “hope[s] to work with the Keep it Social Ambassador and with Res Life to get some activities going and to future grow the movement.” The campaign doesn’t tell students that it is bad to drink or to go out for a night at the Inn, but instead lets students know it’s okay to take part in other activities instead—that “it’s okay to just meet up and go for a walk and call it quits and do your homework.” The inspiration for the creation of the It’s Okay Campaign came from Kroker’s own experiences in his first year. He mentioned how “a lot of the time I felt like I didn’t take a night off, and I didn’t live a sustainable life in order to keep in balance my academics, my social life, my extracurriculars, and I got really tired and really sick part-way through.” He reflects how his experience likely isn’t unique to him. Many students feel as if this partying lifestyle is the only way they can get to know and fit in with others. Having a healthy outlet, and knowing that it’s okay to take that out, is invaluable.

Kroker further mentioned working with the Student Council, Res Life, and the department under Elizabeth Yeo, the head of student services at StFX. He also explained that he reached out to community leaders back in his hometown of Lethbridge, Alberta. He has gotten insight from many people eager to help grow a healthy community and is ready to get it up and running.

Currently, Kroker said he is focused on a poster campaign to further spread word about the program. Over 70 posters will be put up around campus residences, including the Somers and Power Hall apartments. He mentions that the campaign is still “in its infancy,” but he hopes to continue to help it grow. The original plan was to see the launch of the program happen before homecoming. Unfortunately, this timeline did not work out, but Kroker spoke about how he is trying to get it started by X-Ring or the week students return from Christmas break.

When asked about the future of the program, Kroker said they were starting with small goals. Right now, the focus is getting the posters up around campus, as well as getting into different activities with Keep It Social and Flourish at X. He spoke of how this is a long-term process, not a short little “fix”. Eventually Kroker said he hopes “to spread this around to different universities.” He further mentioned that he wanted to get connected with Students Nova Scotia, and from there, launch the program to “Students Alberta, Students Ontario and we can grow this even more.”

This is, of course, the long-term goal. Presently, the focus is the launch at StFX and growing the campaign from the ground up. The hope of the movement is to make students feel less pressure to have sex or consume alcohol and drugs. It has a lot of support from various groups on campus and a passionate creator paving the way. StFX has a strong party culture, and only time will tell of the promising potential of the It’s Okay Campaign.

Meal Hall Response to Hurricane Fiona

Hurricane Fiona significantly affected StFX, creating a long-term power outage and damage across campus. Throughout this time, many campus services closed; however, Morrison Hall remained open, providing students with food and electricity. Though these services seem simplistic to students in everyday circumstances, the hurricane brought many difficulties in presenting them. In an interview with Tim Hierlihy, the general manager, Debbie Kopf, a chef on staff, and Kris Benoit, the residence dining manager, these struggles were further explained.

Morrison Hall has faced hurricanes before, but Fiona proved to be the most challenging. Benoit shared that the team is “always somewhat prepared [for the hurricane], but when it actually comes down to it, you start to realize how many moving parts are involved.” Some struggles, such as limited supplies and transporting the food, were issues that an outside perspective would overlook. Benoit continued, saying that the duration of the power outage was one of the most significant and unexpected obstacles they faced. Having had to purchase their supplies ahead of time, Benoit shared that he knew they could serve people with what they had for a few days. However, he aired further concerns, saying “you start to get a little worried about if the supplies are going to be able to supplement the extra food that we’re having to serve.”

Benoit, Hierlihy, and Kopf also shared concerns over the number of people they had to serve. Because of limited food access, there were already more students coming to Morrison Hall than on an average day. With the added influx of people from the Antigonish community, the numbers continued to rise. Hierlihy estimated that over 2000 people had come in on Saturday, September 25th, which was the first day following the hurricane. Kopf added that she saw “kids who graduated years ago that were here.” It seemed that anyone who did not have power to cook at home was coming to Morrison Hall for a hot meal. Kopf additionally shared that while there was an increase of people entering meal hall, she was the only one working in the kitchen. The other two staff members had been unable to come in. Hierlihy later added, “factors like limited staff, power outage—all of those things come into play.” He emphasized how their plans had to change with each new element. These experiences have shown them what could occur in future storms, as well as the conditions they could continue to face.

  “[The students] had the three most important things; electricity to charge their devices… a place where they could meet their friends safely, and they had hot food,” Benoit said when asked about student response. All three concurred that, with these in place, the students seemed content with what was provided. However, when asked what the students should know about what occurred, Hierlihy said that he “[doesn’t] think they properly understand the complexity of what was going on to get that to happen.” He shared that the main kitchen, which cooks most of their food, was located downstairs. Without full power, the elevator that usually brought food up to the main level was not working. Two to three people “had to hand-bomb the food up the stairs,” explained Kopf. She also revealed other difficulties, such  as how “the big oven didn’t get wired until 12:30 to 1:00 o’clock, and that’s the only oven we had.” Benoit provided the numbers with which they were working: one of four combination ovens, and one of three deep-frying stations.

Their limited supplies also posed a problem, especially as they reached the second and third days of the power outage. Something as common as ice started to become a concern. “We couldn’t chill down pop, or we couldn’t leave food out for longer than a certain period of time,” Benoit stated, “food had to go into walk-in freezers and fridges.” Hierlihy elaborated on the ice concerns, adding that he “raided every bit of ice on campus that he knew of” before Hurricane Fiona had hit campus. Ice was only one of the many products that had to be stocked prior to the hurricane. Other supplies Hierlihy mentioned included paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils, as he knew that washing so many dishes would not be possible.

Toward the end of the interview, the marketing coordinator Syahrul Anwar Jamaludin joined the conversation and shared the importance of communication during the aftermath of the hurricane. The StFX Campus Food Instagram played a crucial role in informing the students about what was available; students are advised to follow the account as storm season approaches. The account later made a post with a thanks to the staff, which many students and families have commented on to express their own appreciation.

Hierlihy ended the interview with a thanks himself. He wanted to voice his gratitude to “the partners around the university and the students. Everybody’s cooperation during that time went a long way.” Benoit also wanted to remind students that although future storms may cancel classes, “the staff are still taking a huge risk coming to work every day to provide food service,” and to recognize this importance. Despite the difficulties that Hurricane Fiona presented for the dining hall staff, they successfully pulled through and provided students with all they possibly could.

Decision Regarding Status of Exams

As many of you are aware by now, the current COVID-19 situation at StFX is dire, with 21 students testing positive for COVID-19, as of Wednesday, December 8, including 12 confirmed cases announced on Tuesday. More confirmed cases are expected in the coming days, and the school is encouraging students, staff, and members of the community to get tested as soon as possible. Of course, this leaves many wondering about the status of exams, with first term classes finishing up on Tuesday and in person exams scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 9. Unsurprisingly, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer, Dr. Robert Strang, suspects rising cases to be related to this past weekend’s X-Ring ceremony and celebrations. If you are fully vaccinated, you must monitor yourself for symptoms until December 18 and book a PCR test. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must isolate regardless of if you’re experiencing symptoms or not, and, in general, anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should get tested immediately. Nova Scotia Health’s mobile unit will be at the Keating Centre on campus on Wednesday from 2 pm to 6 pm, and Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm. You can book an appointment or drop in.

An email from President and Vice-Chancellor Andy Hakin was sent out to students, faculty, and staff regarding exams, stating that members of administration would be meeting with public health to discuss the issue. Undoubtedly, many were anxiously waiting with emails open for the final decision. In a follow-up email from acting Academic Vice-President and Provost Timothy W. Hynes, it was announced that scheduled in-person exams will proceed, unless the instructor has changed the mode of delivery. If students have not been contacted by their professor regarding a change, the exam will proceed as scheduled. Faculty must notify their students, their deans, and the Registrar should they change the exam delivery mode. Instructors who move to a synchronous online exam must ensure it matches the date and time of the pre-existing exam schedule, and instructors who move to an asynchronous online exam must ensure the deadline is consistent with the pre-existing exam time. In short, students will have the option to write in whichever format their professor chooses, or if they are unable or uncomfortable to write in December, they may instead choose to write in January. Nova Scotia Public Health officials have assured the University it is safe to write in person, but despite recent events, social isolation requirements, and the fact that many students are uncomfortable writing exams in person, this final verdict has been decided.

Representatives Elected

The results of the 2021 Representative Council elections for the StFX Students’ Union were announced March 10, 2021. 

Polling took place over two days, March 9 and 10, and included elections for the Science, Arts, Business, Equity, International, Students of African-Descent, and Education constituencies. 

A rare phenomenon at StFX, this election saw no incumbents reoffering for their positions. There were also few candidates, with the only contested race being that for Students of African-Descent Representative. 

Meredith Cudmore-Keating, StFX Students’  Union Chair of Council thanked all voters saying “this was a great election to finish the year off .and we look forward to seeing you vote next year.”

The results ended with the following candidates being elected.

Arts Representative - Margaret-Ann Gillis

Business Representative - Hunter Park

Education Representative - Tianna Williams

Equity Representative - Tiffany Bondoc

International Representative - Derin Derici

Students of African-Descent Representative - Atik Gilao

Science Representative - Mackenzie LeVernois

The Graduate Student Representative has not been elected for the 2021-2022 year. 

Vice President Academic Candidate Interview

On Friday, January 29th, both I and Will Fraser, sat down with Vice President Academic Candidate Meredith Cudmore-Keating and discussed her plans if elected as Vice President. Meredith is a 3rd year Mathematics student and currently the chair of council for the Students Union. She has much experience with the Student’s Union and additionally she leads the elections team. Meredith stated that she loves the StFX community, wants to give back to the community, and hopes to have the ability to make StFX better for all students.

When asked about plans to prevent Sexual Violence on campus, Meredith voiced that she is always in support of the survivors, she wants to make educational training and opportunities more accessible so that students right away can have prevention training. In terms of action, she hopes to make students more aware of resources for survivors on campus.

Meredith talked about these issues in her platform she wants to assure a well-rounded student experience and so when it comes to mental health support, she believes that access to healthy food, a range of societies on campus, sports, etc. all help students be more mentally healthy, and this part of her platform indirectly helps mental health for students on campus.

On a scale of 1-10, Meredith ranked StFX at 7.5 when it comes to the University's performance regarding Covid-19. She thinks it is spectacular that we have the opportunity to have in person classes, but some drawbacks are the university's communication with students and as VP, she would assure there would be lot more communication with students and the University.

One thing Meredith hopes to add is more Open Educational Resources, such as online textbooks that are basically free to students. She hopes to make students and faculty more aware of this option and advocate for this program.

Meredith stated that she does not have a preferred Presidential Candidate, she believes that democracy can do its work and whoever the majority of students choose is the best!

Meredith said that she hopes to target minority groups on campus when she goes to hire her executive team. She says that rather than waiting for them to come to her, she will seek different groups on campus, ensuring a more diverse team! She is looking for people who are looking out for StFX student’s well-being, people who work well in teams and are inclusive.

Meredith concluded by saying “I would really love to serve you all as Vice President Academic, I’m well qualified for the role and I would like to make next year a year where students can come to the Students Union, be heard, advocated for and thank you for your time.”

Board of Governors Candidate Interview

On Friday, January 29, both I and Will Fraser, had the honour to talk to the four Board of Governors' candidates -- Anna Hancin, Dhruv Patel, Duncan McIntyre, and Emma Valardo. I got the opportunity to get to know the candidates and have a better understanding of their platforms.

Firstly, I asked the candidates to introduce themselves and talk about why they are running for the Board of Governors. Anna is a first year in the Public Policy and Governance program and she is also on Cameron Hall’s student council; Duncan is a third year, also in the Public Policy and Governance program; Emma is a third year in the Forensic Psychology program; and Dhruv is the current International Students Representative and is a second year. Collectively the candidates agreed that they want to create change and be a voice for the students, Anna stated “I would be a voice for the students, my job is to be your voice for the change that you want to see.”

When asked what makes them stand out from each other Emma explained that she is vocal, in touch with the student body, very educated on current issues, and she doesn’t give up! Dhruv on the other hand said he doesn’t consider himself better than other people but believes his role as International Students Rep gives him more of an edge. Anna believes that her collaboration skills set her apart from the others and her involvement with many different things throughout campus. Duncan believes that his experience of being a student for what will be 4 years and his open mindedness are his strengths.

On a scale of 1-10 each candidate named how they thought the University did with the Covid-19 response. Duncan said 4 or 5, Emma 3, Dhruv 8, and Anna 6. Duncan and Emma had similar thoughts, agreeing that what was good about StFX’s response is that we still could be on campus but agreed that the contract sent out in the summer was wrong and not all students were taken into consideration. Dhruv agreed that the contract was not the best, but said that being in Nova Scotia is such a privilege and gives credit to the University and town of Antigonish for their work. Similarly, Anna agreed it was amazing we are allowed to be on campus but believes it is unfair that the majority of classes are in person, some students are not being taken into consideration and would like to implement things that allow for students that are not able to be at campus currently, to feel included.

Collectively the candidates agree that more efforts on Sexual Violence Prevention needs to be undertaken at StFX. They believe in the importance of anti-Sexual Violence programs, education, removal of "predators," and the importance of communication with survivors. Dhruv said he believes we need to focus on "toxic masculinity" and states that this would be one of his

priorities. Emma agreed that this was a problem but wanted to add that it is very important to note that males on campus are also being sexually assaulted.

Overall, the four candidates voiced that mental health support is an important issue on campus and agree that the programs on the campus are very beneficial for students but could be improved by being more accessible.

Individually Anna was asked if as a first-year student, she enough experience has to be on the Board of Governors. She argued that this was not the case and that she is very engaged and active on campus. Anna knows about and is involved with many organizations, has contacts, and is always willing to learn if need be.

Emma and Duncan were asked if it would be a problem if only one of them were elected as the pair are dating. Both candidates assured that this was not an issue and agreed that they will always keep each other accountable if it is needed, they are not afraid to disagree on different subjects, and their relationship is not the priority of this campaign.

Dhruv was asked if students were looking for change on campus why should they elect someone who is already a part of the system. He didn’t like the question but stated he believes that he has done very good things in his position as the International Representative and will continue to do good things.

When asked who the candidates would prefer as the new President, Duncan stated he believed all candidates are good, Emma said Jack would be the best choice, Dhruv said he would not pick one, and Anna also stated that all the candidates are all very qualified and would look forward to working with any one of them.

Overall, my conversation with the Board of Governors' candidates was insightful and I learned much about their platforms, views and goals if elected!

Varsity Athlete Charged with Human Trafficking

In an email to students on December 29th, 2020, Elizabeth Yeo, VP Students, revealed that a first-year StFX student had been charged by the York Regional Police in relation to a human trafficking investigation.

Justin Barrett, 20, of Brampton was charged by the York Regional Police with a number of offences, including Trafficking in Persons Under the Age of 18, Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons Under the Age of 18, and Material Benefit from Sexual Services of a Person Under 18 Years. A media release by the York Regional Police stated that “the accused spent time in West Virginia, United States, and currently has ties to Nova Scotia.”

Barrett, a first-year Bachelor of Arts student was in his first year of eligibility as a goalkeeper on the StFX Men’s Varsity Soccer team. Barrett’s name no longer appears on the team roster, and his player bio has been removed from the StFX Athletics website.

In her email to students, Yeo stated “the university will be monitoring and reviewing the situation closely to ensure the safety of our community, which is always our priority. This includes attempting to gain more information from the York Regional Police about the file. Under the Sexual Violence Policy, StFX will implement immediate measures in cases of elevated risk to the StFXand/or broader Antigonish community.” 

The immediate measures described by Yeo, range from no contact orders to university suspension. The Xaverian Weekly was unable toconfirm if interim measures had been implemented against the accused. 

Representatives from the soccer team were unavailable to commentprior to publication.

The charges against Justin Barrett have not been tested in a court of law.

Two COVID-19 Cases on Campus

On Tuesday January 5th Dr. Andrew Hakin, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Francis Xavier University sent out an email to the StFX community to announce that there is now a positive covid-19 case on campus. The student arrived on January 3rd and had been isolating in residence.

A second email was sent out on January 9th to notify the StFX community of a second positive case. This student arrived to campus on January 5th had been isolating in residence since their arrival. Dr. Hakin wrote that the two cases appear to be unrelated. The Public Health Centre is working on contact tracing and the university has made the decision to even reach out to those considered a low-risk contact. 

Both cases are said to now be following the COVID-19 protocol in place by the university. Inside the Protocols for Isolation Handbook provided by the university to ensure a safe arrival back to campus explains that if a positive test result occurs that Public Health will take the appropriate steps to contact the student and start contact tracing, then the student will remain in the same location they are isolating in unless they share a campus apartment or bathroom. The university has set aside rooms in AC, Governor’s Hall, and International House.Individuals who test positive will have regular phone or email support from Public Health or a Health and Counselling Nurse to assess the student’s condition. 

Students are being asked to monitor their symptoms, and to get a COVID-19 test on day 6,7, or 8 of their isolation as they return from New Brunswick and outside of Atlantic Canada. Dr. Hakin in his emails to the StFX community reminds students that if they think they have symptoms you are to do a COVID-19 self-assessment or call 811 and those students who are sent for testing are to email Isolate@stfx.ca.

Music Student Returning to StFX After Years-Long Court Battle

***Content Warning: The following article contains details which may be triggering to some. There is a list of resources at the end of the article. Please do not hesitate to contact any of these resources if you find yourself struggling. 

Luke Letourneau will be returning to classes this semester after being acquitted of sexual assault in October 2020. Letourneau, who enrolled in the Department of Music at StFX in 2017, was suspended by the university’s Judicial Board in April 2018. He subsequently appealed the suspension, which was set aside and he was allowed to return to campus in September 2018 while the case was pending criminal proceedings. 

The complainant was not informed of Letourneau’s return to campus, and left StFX upon hearing that he was back. Her experience was part of a series of events inspiring student protests that made national news, and eventually led to the review of StFX’s Sexual Violence Policy. Letourneau withdrew from campus shortly after, and StFX Vice-President Finance and Administration Andrew Beckett issued a statement apologizing for how the situation was handled. Letourneau was acquitted of sexual assault on October 16, 2020 and will return to classes at the start of the Winter semester to continue his degree.

“I am looking forward to resuming my education at StFX and am pleased that the university has welcomed me back,” Letourneau said in a written statement provided exclusively to the Xaverian Weekly. “The past three years have been very difficult for me. It was a great relief to me to be completely vindicated by the judge last fall, and I would encourage anyone doubting the outcome of the case to read [Justice Denise Boudreau’s] verdict.” 

 In that decision, Justice Boudreau found him not guilty due to Crown attorney Jonathan Gavel having “not proven one of the essential elements of sexual assault beyond reasonable doubt, i.e. the lack of consent.” Most of the trial revolved around the complainant's “memory gap,” which spanned the “most crucial period of the evening.” Justice Boudreau said that the memory gap was “entirely unexplained” and concluded “that the complainant, in fact, has not forgotten. She remembers the entire evening. She has chosen, in her testimony, to say she has forgotten.” That conclusion left the Justice with “serious doubts as to the complainant’s credibility regarding the events of that evening, including her testimony that she did not consent.”

Student Outrage

Despite the Court’s findings and Letourneau’s acquittal, many students are upset that Letourneau is coming back to StFX.

The case’s complainant has expressed her disappointment with StFX’s decision to allow Letourneau to return to campus. In a written statement provided to the Xaverian Weekly, she expressed the opinion “that StFX has once again chosen their image over student safety…. {Letourneau} was supposed to be my friend. He took what he wanted then continued on with his life while I was left to live in fear. I stopped eating so I didn’t chance seeing him at meal hall. I couldn’t walk anywhere without a key between my knuckles. My chest still tightens up when I hear certain songs. I still clench my fists if I see someone drinking a PBR. I never know what seemingly normal thing will send me into a downward spiral or panic attack.” She concluded her statement with a plea to the university to “do better, please.”

Talking to students on campus and observing social media, the complainant’s disappointment is echoed. Gabe Mink, a fourth-year Music student “acknowledges the rarity of false sexual violence reports as well as the even rarer occasion of the accused to be found guilty”  and feels that the university’s current actions seem to disregard that information. “I feel for all the survivors and allies who are once again being let down by StFX,” he said. 

University is Taking Measures

 To avoid a repeat of the unrest of 2018, StFX has been reaching out to any students involved in the initial case through Zoom to inform them that Letourneau will be returning. Elizabeth Yeo, Vice President Students, shared in a statement to the Xaverian Weekly that “the specific matter involving Mr. Letourneau is one that the university has carefully reviewed, and in accordance with its policies and procedures, including the Sexual Violence Response Policy, Mr. Letourneau is eligible to return to the university to pursue his degree if he so chooses … the University has no basis for disallowing his admittance.” She also stressed that “StFX does not tolerate sexualized violence and has made considerable advances in education and prevention and its policies in recent years.”

StFX Students’ Union President Sarah Elliott told the Xaverian Weekly that “The StFX Students’ Union believes and supports survivors. Students deserve to feel safe on campus, and survivors deserve to feel heard,” she wrote.

It’s apparent that the perception of Letourneau’s return varies greatly. Many students and on-campus activists feel outraged, whereas StFX has no tenable reason to hold any odium towards Letourneau or exclude him from campus. It remains unclear how this news will affect the campus community or Letourneau himself as he continues his education. 

The following resources are available to StFX students looking for support dealing with this information:

StFX Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate

902-867-5601 | Bloomfield Centre 313D 

The Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre 

902-863-6221 | 204 Kirk Place, 219 Main Street, Antigonish | Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 4:30

StFX Health and Counselling 

902-867-2263 | Bloomfield Centre 305

StFX Peer Support Program

Bloomfield 417 | Monday to Friday, 12:00 to 5:00 (Reopening January 25)

NS Mental Health Crisis Line

1-888-429-8167

Good2TalkNS

1-833-292-3698 | Text “GOOD2TALKNS” to 686868

Countdown to X-Ring - What to Expect

With November, the countdown to the much anticipated X-Ring Ceremony has started. The Ceremony takes place every year on December 3 and it is a tradition loved by the entire Xaverian community. It is celebrated as a traditional rite of passage for Xaverians that are moving into their next chapter of life. This year's ceremony brings many challenges as the StFX community fights the coronavirus pandemic. I sat down with Shanna Hopkins, Director of Alumni Affairs and Murray Kyte, Vice President of Advancement, to talk about what we can expect from this year's ceremony. The two had to introduce a number of changes this year to ensure everyone's safety, but ultimately these changes allow for us to keep the ceremony in person.

Murray explained that it was agreed that if the ceremony can be done safely it must happen as it is so important to the University and students. The plan for this year's ceremony is very indefinite, and new challenges may result in some changes to the ceremony. Hopkins also said that the plan was not concrete, she explained, “The plan is very fluid, and nothing is finalized.”

Both Murray and Hopkins are Xaverians themselves and understand the importance of the X-Ring and although there will be many changes, both are working very hard to ensure that the event can be the best it can be, while being as safe as possible. Hopkins explained, “It’s something that both Murray and I are very passionate about, as we are both Xaverians. We want to ensure there’s a way that we can safely and successfully host this event.”

Some may wonder why the X-Ring ceremony will be in-person, while the Fall Convocation will be virtual. It is important to understand it has nothing to do with priority, but simply risk management. Many graduates that will be a part of Fall Convocation are not currently located in Antigonish and are outside of the Atlantic bubble, while majority of the students that will be participating in the X-Ring Ceremony are currently residing within Antigonish, making it much more possible to have an in-person X-Ring Ceremony.

There is much thought going into planning the ceremony in order to ensure that everyone stays safe. As of now, the ceremony will have a very similar layout as the Xaverian Welcome but the major difference will be that while during the Xaverian welcome, students were spread out all across campus in different buildings, for the X-Ring Ceremony, they will be spread out within the Keating Centre. Students can expect to be placed in Coach K Court, The Auxiliary Gym, Conference Centre Rooms, and even the Auxiliary Rink.

The ceremony's traditional order will be flipped around, and the last part of the event will be receiving the ring. Within tradition, students will still get to receive their rings in the main Keating Centre, just in groups, at different times. Other changes from the past X-Ring ceremonies include mandatory masks, reduced stage party, and a limited number of guests and faculty. Students will also not be allowed to take group photographs after the ceremony. It is also encouraged that family and friends are not invited to StFX or Antigonish to ensure the community stays safe. Additionally, it will be a requirement to RSVP in order to attend as exact numbers are needed to successfully plan this event.

During the ceremony, students can expect to be socially distanced and to walk single file when going to receive their rings and during the lighting of the candles. It has also been announced that the Honorable Frank McKenna will be addressing the students during the ceremony.

Hopkins and Murray are working closely with Frank McKenna and his team to ensure he can attend the ceremony and are very hopeful he will get to speak in person as he is currently within the Atlantic bubble. Ultimately, it is essential for the StFX community to understand the importance of continuing to follow public health safety guidelines to ensure the community stays safe from the virus. StFX is in a very special position in that we can still have these types of events. Murray stressed, “A message I would give to the students would be to carry on with staying safe, keep wearing a mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands, keep doing all the things everyone’s been doing because it has allowed us to do things that nobody else in the country can do.” It is critical that we as a community continue to do what we have been doing in order for us to have this year’s ceremony.”

Meanwhile, as the organizers continue to think, plan and have many discussions with Public Health authorities, the StFX community continues to work together and follow safe practices to ensure the event can be held smoothly. Despite the many challenges faced when planning this special event, Shanna and Murray have been working very hard and understand the significance the X-Ring holds to students. Murray concluded by saying, “I’ve gotten a ring, Shanna’s gotten a ring, it is a unique, shared bond between all Xaverians around the world. Many try to replicate us, but they can’t, there is only one X Ring!”

Murray’s words hold true, despite the challenges we face as a community, we need to acknowledge how lucky we, as Xaverians, are to be able to still gather as a community and share the unforgettable experience of receiving the famous X-Ring that connects us all forever, symbolizes our hard work, friendships, and our one of a kind StFX experience.

Take Back the Night

A large number of students and faculty marched through the StFX University campus on 22 October to raise awareness about gender-based and sexual violence and to send out the message that it is important to stand together and know that support exists. The annual "Take Back the Night" march, sponsored by the WMGS society, urged the participants to bring a phone or flashlight to "shine a light on sexual violence" and raise awareness about it. The goal of the "Take back the night" was to ensure that we eliminate sexual violence at the University and in all of our communities. It was all about reclaiming the night and the space that is associated with gender-based violence.

A book "Sexual Violence at Canadian Universities" says at least one in four women attending college or university will be sexually assaulted by the time they graduate. It sends chills down the spine of anyone to think how something as simple as walking back to the hostel or your apartment in the night is not safe

It was heartening to see that all the participants adhered to social distancing norms and other restrictions due to the pandemic. A poster-making session was also organized by the StFX Women and Gender Studies Society before the rally.

Photo by Addy Strickland

Sarah Elliott, StFX Students’ Union President and Catherine Kennedy, the sexual violence prevention and response Advocate were the MCs for the night. The senior leadership at StFX wanted to attend the rally but were unable to do so because of an emergency senate meeting that was scheduled at the same time as the rally. However, their message was shared with the crowd and I would like to state it here because I think these were very powerful and impactful statements, statements through which we can hold them accountable. It stated, “Sexual violence has been invisible for far too long. We thank and commend the visible @ X team, the StFX Student’s Union, and the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre, and the Sexual Assault Services Association for their leadership tonight for making the invisible visible. We know that you or someone close to you has been impacted by sexual violence, whether a sexist joke, derogatory comment about one’s gender, or an act of sexual assault. Sexual violence results in serious short and long term negative consequences for individuals, communities, and societies. At StFX, we know that in the past, some experience of sexual violence were not disclosed often because the person was trying to forget about it, felt it was a private matter, or wasn’t serious enough, thought it was their fault, or didn’t think anyone would help. It is serious, it is not your fault, and we will help, StFX has zero tolerance for sexual violence of any kind….”.

A number of resources are available at StFX such as the StFX Health and Counselling Centre and the Visible @ X Team. Off campus resources include the Antigonish Women’s Health Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association, the Naomi Society. The crowd also raised a huge round of applause to Heather Blackburn, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate, who is instrumental in making the event possible.

Addy Strickland, the coordinator of the Peer Support Program as well as the Arts Section Editor also addressed the rally. Addy is a fourth year Honours student in the Department of Developmental Studies and is studying how we can use art and community to forward social change. Addy has been heavily involved in the sexual violence prevention and advocacy on campus and in her speech she provided details of the support being offered by the Peer Support Program at StFX, which is functional in-person this year at Bloomfield 417, Monday-Friday 12-5 pm.

Addy and Emma Kuzmyk realized the gaps in our campus’ mental health and sexual violence support services and spent a year and a half, building, researching, and convincing administrative members and Students Union that the program was necessary ad a valuable addition to student wellbeing on campus. Addy says that, “It took a lot of convincing.” But finally resulted in the appointment of the Sexual Violence and Prevention Advocate, Heather Blackburn and the start of the Peer support program.

The rally was also addressed by Carla Stevens, a Mi'kmaq woman, and a mother of three amazing daughters. She is the project coordinator of the Circles of Support project. She asked the crowd to observe a moment of silence to honour all the women victims of sexualized violence. She said: “I challenge you as students and scholars to no longer be by-standers and to take a stand against gender based and sexual violence in your community and university.”

Last but not the least, Emma Kuzmyk who has worked for Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre, VP Academic for Student Union in 2019 and is a co-founder of Peer Support Program, said: “Not everybody gets to heal from the traumas of sexualized violence but those of us who do, should work toward building a safe community, where healing or being heard is not something that is reserved for the lucky. You have a duty to the people who aren’t in the room. Please don’t forget about them. There are voices missing from our march today, there are faces who are not in the crowd, and we can't forget about the them, because when we use the word survive, it means that not everybody does.”

For those of us participating in the event for the first time, "Take Back the Night" is the earliest worldwide movement to protest gender-based violence. The phrase "Take Back the night" was used as the title of a 1977 memorial read by activist Anne Pride at an anti-violence rally in Pittsburgh. According to some reports, one of the first "Take Back the Night" marches was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in October 1975, after the murder of a microbiologist, Susan Alexander Speeth, who was stabbed to death while walking home alone.

All Eyes on Mi'kma'ki: Antigonish Residents Rally in Support of Mi'kmaq Rights to Moderate Livelihood

On October 17, 2020, more than 300 people rallied in Chisholm Park to demonstrate their solidarity with Mi’kmaw fishers. The purpose of the rally was to demand that the RCMP and elected officials honour the Treaty of 1752, which guarantees the Mi’kmaq right to fish for a moderate livelihood, and to act to stop acts of violence and terror against Mi'kmaq fishers. This comes after a week of violence in Saulnierville, where white vigilantes have been cutting traps, raiding lobster pounds, and making threats against the wellbeing of Mi'kmaq people.

The rally began at 6pm with a drum performance of “Honour Song” by Graham Marshall; Billy Joe Muese; Noah Mathews Crimons; Salena Sylvester; Charlotte, Margaret, and Dolena Poulette; and Michelle, Christina, and Rosie Sylliboy. Following the performance, a number of Mi’kmaq community members, as well as a few settlers, took the stage with words of outrage, encouragement, solidarity, and hope. Chris Frazer, professor of History at StFX, acted as the event’s emcee. An experienced organizer and activist, Frazer also played a large role in making the event happen.

Dolena Poulette of Membertou First Nation giving the opening prayer.

Photo by Addy Strickland

Among the speakers was Michelle Sylliboy, a Mi’kmaq artist from We'koqma'q Cape Breton and Professor of Art and Modern Languages at StFX University. Sylliboy emphasized the role of the 1752 treaty, stating that Mi'kmaq people have been here for a very long time, and will be here for a very long time, despite government efforts to silence or ignore them; “we’re not going anywhere,” she said. She called on settlers—her allies and neighbours—to write their elected officials, and ask for justice. “That email that you send to the Prime Minister is a legal document, and they can’t ignore it … you voted them in. They work for you. It’s pretty clear that they don’t work for me anymore, but they work for you,” she said.

Salena Sylvestor, a mom, leader, and Community Studies student who travelled to Antigonish from Membertou First Nation, also took the stage. Sylvestor was emotional, sharing her thoughts about ongoing events in Digby, and explaining to the crowd what was happening there; cut traps, flares, violence, fire. If these acts were being committed by Indigenous people, she stipulated, the RCMP would be employing force to make it stop. She asks, “where’s that force now?”

Sylvestor was followed by Mary Isaac, who reminded the crowd about the real root of the issue. “This is about corporations trying to steal our natural resources and keep us fighting as a distraction,” she said, and encouraged everyone in attendance to “unite as one people” instead of resorting to violence and conflict.

Dolena Poulette, from We'koqma'q First Nation, April and Darlene Prosper, from Paq’tnkek First Nation, and Marin McBeath, a history student at StFX, also stepped up to the mic.

While the speakers were on stage, two rubber boots also made their way through the crowd, collecting funds to be sent to the front lines in Digby and put towards buying necessary supplies. Attendees raised a total of $1145 in monetary donations, and event organizers are looking to collect further donations in material items to send along as well. Readers looking to lend support are encouraged to write, call, or email their elected officials to call for action. Monetary or material donations are also welcome. Charlotte Conolly, an activist from Halifax (K'jipuktuk), has created a list of the various places to donate, alongside templates for reaching elected officials, lists of most needed supplies, and trustworthy news sources; her list can be found online here.

Three dancers led the march.

Photo by Addy Strickland

The rally ended with a march, led by three young dancers, routed from Chisholm through the StFX campus. Marchers waved at the Antigonish RCMP station as they made their way back along West Street.

A livestream of the event can found on The Xaverian Weekly’s Facebook page, here. A recording of the event will also be shared on this week’s episode of Social Justice Radio, Thursday at 5pm on 93.3 The Fox.

StFX Scholar Strike

On September 9 and 10, 2020, scholars at universities across Canada stepped out of their virtual and physical classrooms to protest racism and police brutality in North America. They paused their teaching and administrative duties, and instead organized marches, demonstrations, and teach-ins in support of a list of demands. Those demands include: defunding the police and redistributing the resources to BIPOC, queer, and trans communities; removing campus police; addressing the underrepresentation of BIPOC faculty at Canadian institutions; and committing to actively “recruit, admit, retain, and mentor” BIPOC students.

The Scholar Strike Canada website states that the concept was inspired by a tweet from Dr. Anthea Butler, who was inspired by the recent WNBA and NBA strike. Dr. Butler’s call for a similar labour action from academics quickly garnered attention, and spurred action in the U.S (her home country) as well as in Canada, where the nation-wide strike was organized by Beverly Bain and Min Sook Lee.

Photo by Addy Strickland

Desmond Cole, a Canadian journalist, author, and activist, gave the keynote to kick off the Canadian strike and teach-ins on September 9. Titled “Abolition or death: Confronting police forces in Canada,” the keynote asked “who is being policed in Canada and why?” The answer is the motivation behind ongoing Black Lives Matter protests, and the driving force behind the fight to abolish the police. Cole spends three minutes of the talk listing the everyday ways in which police violence is perpetuated:

“It’s the arrests and assaults on us that are then documented as assaults against the police … It’s the routine sexual assaults of women by police officers because they know that they can get away with it … It’s the clearing out of homeless encampments during a global pandemic because people who own property don’t want to see homeless people around them ... It’s the thousands of black people in this country who can’t apply for jobs because they have a criminal record for possessing or selling marijuana ... It’s the police intimidation of non-status families, who want to send their kids to school but don’t, because they are scared of being deported.”

Abolition isn’t about money, Cole says; it’s “about our lives.”

Scholars at StFX were quick to join the strike, and support the calls to action. Following Cole’s keynote, dozens of faculty, staff, students, and community members met masked and social-distanced in front of the Coady International Institute. Organized by Dr. Corrine Cash and Dr. Donna Trembinski, the gathering highlighted the voices of people of colour, featuring speeches from Denton Anthony, Tara Reddick, Dhruv Patel, Ornella Nzindukiyimana, and Wendy Mackey. Dr. Cash was very pleased with the turnout, seeing various athletic teams, coaches, and community members out in support alongside faculty and students.

In her own speech, Dr. Cash called for StFX administration to “create a multiracial committee that conducts an audit of all facets of the university to identity racism, discriminations.” She shared that she hopes a study of this kind could be used to inform real action, in the form of a

strategic plan aimed at obliterating racism and discrimination on campus. Dr. Cash encourages anyone who wishes to see the same to email StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, and let him know.

The event comes at a pressing time for StFX, following the announcement of an increased RCMP presence on campus. A number of the event’s speakers explicitly condemned the school’s decision to allow RCMP on campus, and the province’s decision to involve them in check-ins for isolating students.

Photo by Addy Strickland

Following the speeches, the organizers led a march through campus, stopping to chant “Black Lives Matter” and “no justice, no peace” in front of Dr. Hakin’s office, as well as across from the RCMP station on West Street.

In an interesting turn of events, members of the school’s upper administration, including President Hakin and Academic Vice President Kevin Wamsley, were also present at the march. Donna Trambinski shares that “it was great to see them, but they’re putting into practice policies that are problematic for people of colour on campus.” Attending a march is one thing, but actually doing the work to ensure a safe and equitable campus environment is something else entirely. “It would be really nice to see them do something, and to respond to the problematic announcement of RCMP on campus,” shared Trembinski.

It is evident in their enthusiastic participation that many StFX faculty, staff, and students wish to see an end to racism and discrimination on campus. The question now, is what will it take for that to happen, and how much more of a push do administration need to act?