Statement from Universities Sector Executive

OPSEU Universities, Sector 9
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OPSEU/SEFPO’s Executive Board has passed a resolution to uphold principles of peace, justice, and international law and supports our rights to freedom of association and freedom of expression; and supports the call for a lasting, peaceful, and just resolution to the Israel/Hamas war that prioritizes international law and the protection of civilian lives.

We as representatives of the universities sector within OPSEU/SEFPO are committed to upholding the right of our students to engage in peaceful protest, including expressions of solidarity with Palestine. Universities are bastions of free thought and expression, where students are encouraged to explore complex issues and advocate for social change. It is crucial that we foster a campus atmosphere that supports these democratic values of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.

As workers who engage with students, faculty and the community on a regular basis, we recognize the deeply significant nature of Palestine and the plausible genocide there, and its capacity to evoke strong emotions within our academic communities. Campus Special Constables and Security staff play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of all community members.

Campus Special Constables and Security are essential in maintaining a safe environment where open dialogue and peaceful protests can occur without fear of harm. Their duty is to protect all members of the campus community—students, faculty, and staff alike—and to ensure that demonstrations are conducted safely. Universities, as our employers, have to respect our own health and safety, and the health and safety of all workers on campus. Workers should never be instructed to do anything that may put them in harms’ way or act outside their mandates.

We call upon all members of university communities, including administrators, faculty, and students, to support these principles: open dialogue, respect for diverse perspectives and health & safety for all. By working collaboratively with campus Special Constables and security, they can create a secure environment where educational and advocacy activities can thrive. This cooperative approach ensures that our campuses remain places where students feel empowered to speak passionately and peacefully about their beliefs, including issues as important as those surrounding Palestinian freedom.

As member of the university community, we stand committed to facilitating this dialogue in a manner that is safe, and respectful, fostering a community that is both informed and safe.

In Solidarity,

S9 Divisional Executive