University of Alberta Dismisses Director Over Controversial Endorsement of Open Letter on Sexual Assault Claims in Israel
The University of Alberta has made the decision to replace the director of its sexual assault centre after the centre endorsed an open letter that questioned the validity of sexual assault claims against Hamas during its recent incursion into Israel. The university’s president, Bill Flanagan, released a statement denouncing the director’s personal views and stating that they do not represent the views of the university. Flanagan also referred to the use of the centre’s name in endorsing the letter as improper and unauthorized.
The open letter in question criticizes Canadian political leaders for allegedly being complicit in Israel’s actions and accuses NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh of repeating unverified accusations of sexual violence against Palestinians. Israeli authorities have reported investigating several cases of sexual assault and rape during Hamas’ attack last month, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people.
Flanagan expressed concerns about the misuse of the university’s Sexual Assault Centre’s name and acknowledged the legitimate concerns expressed by the community and the general public. He emphasized that the director of the centre has been dismissed and a new interim director has been appointed. Flanagan reiterated the university’s stance against racism and hatred and recognized the historical and ongoing harms caused by antisemitism.
The open letter, which starts with We, the undersigned, residing in so-called Canada, not only demands an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas but also calls for parliamentarians to resign and calls on Israel to release all Palestinian prisoners and lift the siege on Gaza. The University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre was listed as one of the endorsing groups at the end of the letter.
The university’s Sexual Assault Centre provides crisis intervention support, long-term psychotherapy, and anti-sexual violence education to the campus community. Flanagan apologized for the distress caused by the issue and acknowledged the potential negative impact on the trust of community members and the critical nature of the centre’s work. He stressed the importance of the university’s services being open and welcoming to all individuals in the diverse community.
The university had responded to the issue on Friday, stating that it was aware of the matter and had taken steps to address it. Prior to the announcement about the director’s replacement, the advanced education minister’s office expressed its seriousness in addressing the concerns and condemned antisemitism in any form. The ministry emphasized the role of on-campus sexual assault centres in providing confidential and compassionate support.
In conclusion, the University of Alberta has replaced the director of its Sexual Assault Centre following the centre’s endorsement of an open letter that raised questions about sexual assault claims against Hamas during its incursion into Israel. The university emphasizes that the personal views of the director do not reflect the views of the institution, and the use of the centre’s name in the endorsement was deemed improper and unauthorized. The university reaffirms its commitment to combating racism and hatred, while recognizing the harms of antisemitism. The Sexual Assault Centre’s services will continue under new leadership, promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community.
