Dear McGill community members,
I write today to update you following last week’s dismantlement of the encampment. This event was significant for McGill, and it occurred after we had worked assiduously for weeks and exhausted all other options to end this occupation of the lower field.
Difficult but necessary work lies ahead, calling for engagement from each of us within the McGill community. This work must focus on further strengthening our capacity for respectful dialogue, and renewing our focus on the academic mission that unites us all.
Teaching, learning, and research – the activities at McGill’s heart – require a climate conducive to open, respectful, and frank discussions, even on the most difficult topics. The principal contribution – indeed, the responsibility – of a university is to establish and maintain spaces to explore, discover, pursue, test, and debate ideas.
In recent weeks, our campus has not been able to provide such spaces as fully as we would like. As we look ahead, we are called to reestablish a climate where each of us feels welcomed, celebrated, recognized, uplifted, and capable of sharing our views without fear of retribution, regardless of who we are or what perspectives we hold. On difficult and sensitive issues there will always be multiple valid yet competing viewpoints. There has never been a more opportune time to redouble our commitment to holding space for the expression of such viewpoints all the while insisting that such expression uphold respect for the dignity of all.
Realizing this vision for our campus climate will take time and will require individual and collective resolve. Given the anguish that so many in our community continue to experience, this work must be approached from a place of compassion and care. I recognize that the challenges of recent months, both on our campus and globally, have affected us all in different ways. For some in our community, these impacts have been painful, profound, and intensely personal. If, as you read this, you are struggling in any way, I urge you to please avail yourself of the resources listed at the end of this message.
On our downtown campus, regular activities are gradually resuming. Our phased reopening aims to reduce, where possible, the risk of occupations or vandalism such as we saw on July 5 – incidents that were not legitimate forms of expression or assembly. This approach also provides the time and space needed to stabilize the campus and provide all members of the community who have been working tirelessly for weeks the time and space needed to regroup, restore the campus’ physical state and operations, and to plan for the Fall term. The present measures in place are necessary and were decided after careful consideration of all options, although the present intention is not to retain these indefinitely.
I know that this careful approach to reopening has caused some inconveniences; the Emergency Operations Centre is collaborating with units around the University to minimize these disruptions. Thank you to all who have been working so hard, now and throughout the past several months, to maintain our commitment to our mission despite the challenges we have encountered. In particular, I would like to thank the kind, dedicated, and highly professional staff in McGill’s Campus Public Safety team.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, we will adopt a range of measures that reflect the challenges we have experienced, fulfilling the commitments that I shared with you on June 18:
- On July 8, McGill’s Board of Governors mandated its Committee on Sustainability and Social Responsibility (CSSR) to explore the question of divestment from direct investments in companies that derive a dominant portion of their direct revenues from the production of military weapons, regardless of the countries in which they operate. Consultations will form part of the Committee’s work, the results of which will be presented to the Board for consideration. It is anticipated that the Committee will submit its report by the Board’s meeting in December 2024. The CSSR will also study an expression of concern that it has received, in accordance with its terms of reference.
- McGill will dedicate funds to host two scholars or students directly affected by the crisis in the Middle East. This effort will occur within the framework of the Scholars-at-Risk Network, of which McGill has been a part since 2010.
- I also confirm that moving forward, beginning with the next report on McGill Investment Pool holdings scheduled for early August, the University will disclose investments in equity and fixed income holdings with a market value under $500,000, wherever agreements and contractual obligations allow. Equity and fixed income holdings over $500,000 are already disclosed.
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, we will plan initiatives on two distinct but related fronts:
- The first will focus on capacity-building for all members of the McGill community. We will aim to realize and amplify the potential of our university to serve as a model for civil society where respectful discourse across differences can occur – notably through dialogue, education, and the pursuit of inquiry.
- The second will strengthen resources for students and colleagues who have been most affected by the war, and by its ramifications on campus life.
As we plan these initiatives, we warmly welcome all constructive input and advice, as we are committed to understanding and responding to the complex and diverse needs of our community. I will keep you updated as these initiatives take shape later this summer.
Like so many other university communities right now, we are navigating an extraordinarily challenging period. Many are hurting, and in the weeks and months to come, our task will be to continue focusing on our shared humanity, recognize the healing that is needed, and reaffirm our commitment to collective learning and growth. While this will take work, determination, humility, and time, I have full confidence that McGillians are up to the task.
Sincerely,
Deep Saini
President and Vice-Chancellor
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Resources for Students:
- GuardMe (formerly Keep.meSAFE): Call. Chat. Anytime. Anywhere. GuardMe connects students with free, confidential emotional health and well-being support conveniently available 24/7 via the app, telephone and web.
- If you are in distress or crisis, or are concerned for someone, contact the Office of the Dean of Students (deanofstudents [at] mcgill.ca, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
- The Student Wellness Hub offers counselling services for students in Montreal (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
- If you are in Quebec and would like to find other supports, you can call Info-Social at 811. This service is available 24/7.
Resources for Faculty and Staff:
- The Employee & Family Assistance Program is a confidential support service available 24/7 to faculty and staff.