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Montreal, July 29, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) condemns the University of Manitoba Student Union's (UMSU) recent actions that prevent meaningful dialogue with pro-Palestinian student groups. UMSU's decision to postpone a meeting addressing anti-Palestinian racism, citing vague safety concerns, appears to be a tactic to avoid recognizing and addressing discrimination faced by Palestinian students on campus.

“Upholding the safety of all students is important, but it’s troubling that UMSU chose to publicly announce the postponement without specific details, effectively casting pro-Palestinian students as threats,” said Jamila Ewais, Lead Researcher of the ARPCF. If genuine safety concerns existed, the appropriate response would have been to engage security services discreetly rather than publicly defame students seeking to voice their concerns. This approach not only stifles productive dialogue but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fuels anti-Palestinian racism.

According to the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association (ACLA), anti-Palestinian racism includes excluding or pressuring others to exclude Palestinian perspectives and defaming Palestinians and their allies as violent or opposed to democratic or civilized values. UMSU's actions align disturbingly with this definition, as they fail to engage constructively with Palestinian students and instead label their advocacy as unproductive and unsafe. This undermines the students' legitimate efforts to have their experiences and concerns acknowledged.

The ARPCF urges UMSU to reassess their approach and immediately reschedule the postponed meeting in a safe environment, including all stakeholders, to address concerns. UMSU must implement a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy recognizing anti-Palestinian racism, with clear guidelines for addressing and reporting such incidents. Establishing support mechanisms, like counseling and legal assistance, for those facing criticism due to their solidarity with Palestinian causes is crucial. Additionally, conducting training on anti-Palestinian racism and ensuring transparent communication with all student groups through regular updates and platforms for dialogue will demonstrate a genuine commitment to an inclusive and respectful campus.

About the ARPCF – The mandate of the Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is to create public awareness about racism in Canada.  This mandate falls in line with the Foundation’s broader purpose of monitoring and combating manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination by increasing public awareness of such biases.

For more information, please contact Jamila Ewais, 514-389-8668
ARPCF, [email protected]  www.cjpmefoundation.org

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