Dear Colleagues,
As President of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), I frequently hear from students, faculty, and staff who encourage me to take a stance on partisan political matters and current events. In recent times, these requests have intensified, reflecting the pressing discussions happening on university campuses across the globe. I would like to share my perspective on why it is crucial for university administration to maintain a neutral stance on these issues.
UFV is a diverse community spanning multiple campuses throughout the Fraser Valley and comprised of individuals with unique opinions and perspectives, shaped by their academic endeavors and lived experiences. It is essential that our university remains a place where everyone can engage in academic inquiry, share ideas, and learn from one another. My role is to foster an environment that supports robust and respectful conversations, even on contentious topics. As we are a diverse community with different perspectives and lived experiences, official statements from my office about events that are not directly related to the University cannot adequately represent the views of all members of this community.
In the past, I have issued statements in response to global events, aiming to acknowledge the concerns of our community. However, I have come to recognize that taking public positions on events that are not directly connected to the University can unintentionally inhibit the thoughtful discussions that are vital to our mission. While my intentions were to provide comfort and solidarity, these statements can sometimes hinder open dialogue and contribute to feelings of exclusion, particularly when certain issues are prioritized over others.
For UFV to truly embody our core values of inclusivity, community, integrity, and excellence, while respecting diverse perspectives, we must remain “non-sectarian and non-political in principle” (University Act, section 66(1)). This allows us to create a space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and participating in meaningful dialogue.
Engaging with different viewpoints and having our beliefs challenged is a fundamental aspect of university life. While this can be uncomfortable, it is also essential for developing engaged and informed community members. It is important to remember that all members of our community are expected to adhere to UFV’s policies and codes of conduct, and any violations will be addressed through the appropriate processes.
We must strive to preserve the vitality of our academic community and foster academic freedom while grounding our discussions in care and mutual respect. This is a challenging but necessary undertaking, and I believe that together we can promote healthy dialogue at UFV.
Thank you for your commitment to creating an inclusive and vibrant university community.