As we consider the events of recent weeks and months, it is important for us to take stock and ask ourselves where we are headed as an academic community.

 

We live in an age of unparalleled access to information and in a country with one of the highest standards of living in human history. We live in a diverse and pluralistic society that many regard as the envy of the world. York University is a community renowned for its diversity and commitment to free enquiry and expression.

 

Yet some of the events that have happened here on the campus in recent months run the risk of alienating community members from each other, and of driving distance between individuals and communities that should be growing together.

 

We must always be vigilant to oppose intolerance in all of its various forms against people deemed to be of the ‘wrong’ colour, gender, sexual orientation, identity, background, politics, religion, nationality or disability.

 

It is easy for us to be tolerant of those who agree with us or who are most like us. Tolerance is a virtue precisely because we need it when it matters most – of those with whom we disagree, or of whom we may be distrustful, suspicious, or even afraid. This is the tradition that York has always espoused, and which we, the leadership of the University, reaffirm today.

 

A university is a place where we can lay aside fears and learn about other people, ideas and cultures in a spirit of free enquiry. In this regard, a university is an institution unlike any other. Yet a university is also a delicate mechanism – it requires a reciprocity of respect and tolerance to function properly, so that ideas can be expressed and shared freely. An idea is not wrong simply because we may disagree with it. Debates on controversial subjects in classrooms and forums ought to be conducted civilly without invective or hostility.

 

As we celebrate Multicultural Week, we call upon every member of the York community to live up to our historic commitment to social responsibility, equity and fairness in our dealings with each other. It is imperative not to let our own opinion – however sincerely held – be the tool with which we attempt to oppress, alienate or silence others.

 

There is much more to be done, but we should begin by reminding each other, and the external community of the core values upon which York is built. Our common future depends upon our adherence to them.

 

 

President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri

 

Vice-President Academic Sheila Embleton                      Dean Paul Axelrod, Faculty of Education

Vice-President Research & Innovation Stan Shapson        Dean Nick Cercone, Faculty of Science and Engineering
Vice-President Finance & Administration Gary Brewer      Dean Robert Drummond, Faculty of Arts
Vice-President Students Rob Tiffin                                  Dean Rhonda Lenton, Atkinson Faculty  of Liberal and Professional Studies

                                                                                    Principal Kenneth McRoberts, Glendon College
York University Foundation President Paul Marcus           Dean Deszo Horvath, Schulich School of Business

Dean Patrick Monahan, Osgoode Hall Law School

Dean Doug Peers, Faculty of Graduate Studies

Dean Barbara Rahder, Faculty of Environmental Studies

Dean Phillip Silver, Faculty of Fine Arts

Dean Harvey Skinner, Faculty of Health