The UASU Reaffirms Dedication to the Well-Being and Rights Of All Students

News Staff - Mon Nov 20, 2023

The ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine has deeply affected many students in our community. Students are expressing feeling increasingly unsafe coming together due to discrimination and harassment. This is exacerbating the complex emotions and concerns already present among our students, staff, and faculty, many of whom have personal connections to the region.

The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) reaffirms its dedication to the well-being and rights of all students and condemns all forms of discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to antisemitism, anti-Palestinian, anti-Israeli, anti-Arab racism, and Islamophobia. The UASU deeply values and aims to empower every student's right to mourn and gather peacefully.

It is crucial for the University of Alberta to actively create an environment where students feel comfortable engaging in their communities, accessing campus services, expressing their views through peaceful assembly, and ensuring their freedom of expression is safeguarded.

It is the University’s responsibility to take proactive measures to ensure that students have access to all possible options to grieve and gather, extending latitude and compassion wherever possible, and meaningfully contributing to the protection of their rights.

We also take this opportunity to remind our members of the resources available on campus. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment in the University of Alberta community you will also find options and resources here:

• The Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights (osdhr@ualberta.ca), while it cannot accept formal complaints of harassment or discrimination, is a safe and neutral place for learning about what resources and potential resolution processes are available.The OSDHR can also advise you about the differences between a disclosure and a formal complaint.
• The Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Procedure is an invaluable resource.
• To learn more about addressing discrimination or harassment by students, refer to the Student Conduct and Accountability office.
• Per Article 7 of the AASUA Collective Agreement, complaints about discrimination or other misconduct by instructors can be directed to the Provost's office.

If you require support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Below, you will find a list of resources available to our students for assistance:

• The Peer Support Centre (SUB 2-707) is open to support you. Walk-in sessions and appointments for a phone session can be made at uasu.ca/psc.
• The University Wellness Services Mental Health Centre offers professional counseling services and can be reached at 780-492-5205. All counseling options are also listed on the University’s Support Services page.
• The UASU Cares database can connect you with a variety of support services related to mental health, abuse, and personal safety.
• For 24-hour crisis and mental health support, the Edmonton Distress Line is available by phone at 780-482-HELP (4357)
• The BIPOC Healing Centre is offering free counseling sessions for Palestinian and Jewish community members.

Your UASU Executive

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