Two student executives from the University of British Columbia’s commerce undergraduate society resigned Wednesday over the offensive pro-rape chant freshmen took part in last week.
Society president Enzo Woo and vice-president of engagement Gillian Ong issued a statement expressing regret for the shocking chant that has made headlines across Canada and cast a shadow on the start of the fall semester.
“I am deeply remorseful at what has transpired,” Woo wrote. “We have an opportunity moving forward to institute a culture of recovery and acceptance. I hope that my resignation can serve as the crucial first step in this process and I can help heal the community that has been an enormous positive influence in my life.”
The commerce undergraduate society said it’s also ending its annual, independently-organized frosh orientation in an effort to ensure “the safety and comfort of all students” at future events.
Any frosh gatherings moving forward will be planned and executed in cooperation with the Sauder School of Business and UBC administrations.
The society also promised all remaining student leaders would undergo Anti-Violence Ally training through the Sexual Assault Support Centre, and that it would hold a roundtable discussion about how the chant has impacted the student community.
News of the frosh chant has sparked outrage on campus, where graffiti reading “F--- rape culture” and “Sauder teaches rape” was spray-painted on UBC property earlier this week.
On Tuesday, Sauder dean Robert Helsley announced he had launched an investigation into the incident with the vice-president of students. A report is expected back by Monday.
Freshmen at Saint Mary’s University were led on the same chant during frosh week. The incident was caught on camera and uploaded to YouTube, leading to the resignation of the student association president.
