Response to UBCC350 Climate Strike Open Letter
UBCC350 c/o ubcc350@gmail.com Thank you for your letter of October 4th, 2019. I appreciate the energy and dedication you have put into this cause. It is inspiring to see so many students and other members of the UBC community use the power of the collective voice to raise awareness of climate change and the need […]
UBC and the global climate strike
Some UBC students have informed us they will join global climate strike activities on Sept. 27. We expect some members of the UBC community will choose to participate in the climate strike to draw attention to the climate crisis. This strike is a student-led initiative and we acknowledge that many of our students and community […]
UBC calls for a TMT moratorium
UBC is deeply committed to engagement and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and supports the standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. To advance our commitment, UBC strives to ensure that research projects involving or affecting Indigenous peoples are built on mutually beneficial, reciprocal and accountable relationships. UBC is also immensely […]
Statement regarding UBC’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Over the past few weeks, university community members have expressed views on freedom of expression and academic freedom on campus, and UBC’s commitment to supporting equity and inclusion. On June 23, a controversial event booked by an organization external to UBC took place on the Vancouver campus, which was critical of Sexual Orientation and Gender […]
UBC providing supports for students from Saudi Arabia
The University of British Columbia continues to assist students ordered to cease studies at Canadian universities by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UBC has about 280 new and returning students with Saudi Arabian citizenship in English-language, undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate programs. Of that number, about 80% are sponsored by the Saudi Arabian […]
Statement of Apology
April 9, 2018 Today the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC was opened to the public in a ceremony that included a statement of apology, which I delivered, to Indian residential school survivors and, more generally, to Indigenous people, for the university’s involvement in the system that supported the operation of the […]
Statement from Professor Ono on UBC’s commitment to Indigenous people and communities
On behalf of the University of British Columbia, I want to extend my condolences to the family of Colten Boushie. I also acknowledge that the events surrounding the trial and verdict have caused considerable distress for many Indigenous people, including our faculty, staff and students, and many others. At the University of British Columbia, we […]
Freedom of Expression: Where do you stand?
Dear members of the UBC community: Freedom of expression continues to be a major topic of discussion at higher education institutions around North America. Here at UBC we have been encouraging discussion about our own homegrown statement (which can be found on the VP Academic website). As our academic community grows and diversifies, it is […]
Hate is antithetical to UBC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
In recent months we have all sadly witnessed incidents of hate, racism and xenophobia across the globe. Tragedies such as today’s attack in Barcelona, and the unrest in Charlottesville, only serve to remind us that we cannot and must not tolerate hatred and racism. These incidents are antithetical to the very fabric of a just […]
UBC condemns violence against Muslims
The attack at a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday was a tragic and shocking event. The University of British Columbia deplores the violence and offers sincere condolences to the victims and their loved ones. UBC celebrates diversity in all its forms, and is committed to providing an inclusive campus environment for everyone, regardless of […]
Statement on Sexual Assault Policy Process and Reconciliation
Last week I met with the UBC Steering Committee on Sexual Assault. In reflecting on our conversation, I thought it important to write to the UBC community to reaffirm my fundamental commitment to the prevention of sexual assault, and to the Sexual Assault Policy process. Decision-making through a trauma-informed lens, dedicated supports and resources, clear […]
UBC reinstates John Furlong as keynote speaker
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono announced today the reinstatement of John Furlong as the keynote speaker at the university’s 18th Annual ZLC Millennium Scholarship Breakfast on February 28, 2017. The university had previously cancelled Mr. Furlong’s keynote address. President Ono offered the following statement: UBC and I have apologized for our handling of this […]
Statement on decision regarding John Furlong speaking engagement
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor, Santa Ono, today made the following statement in response to public criticism of UBC’s decision to cancel John Furlong’s contract to speak at the upcoming Millennium Scholarship Breakfast: UBC made this decision in good faith, but without proper consideration of its potential impact on Mr. Furlong or his family. While this decision was made […]
Statement regarding passing of Dr. David Strangway
The University of British Columbia is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. David Strangway, who was the 10th president of UBC. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to his family on behalf of the entire UBC community. From 1985 to 1997, Dr. Strangway provided the exemplary leadership that enabled UBC to advance […]
Statement on Turkey and Egypt bombings
The University of British Columbia community shares the shock and sadness felt around the world in response to the deadly attacks in Istanbul and Cairo on December 11. Our thoughts are with those whose loved ones were killed or injured, and with all the people of Turkey and Egypt. In particular, our thoughts are with […]
Statement On Assault at Totem Park
I am shocked and very concerned about yesterday’s assault on a student at Totem Park residence. Right now we are focused on supporting the victim and the victim’s family. We are also deeply concerned for the students who witnessed the assault or who have been affected in any other way and we are providing the help they may need. I appreciate this incident may make some of you feel anxious.