SFU students stage walkout to protest return to in-person learning
After starting the semester with remote learning, Simon Fraser University resumed in-person classes on Monday, leading a group of students still concerned about the dangers posed by the coronavirus to stage a walkout at the school’s Burnaby campus.
About 40 students gathered at Convocation Mall to listen to a number of speakers before marching to the administration building where they chanted, hoping to get the attention of those who made the decision to bring students back to class.
"This return is going to kill people and it doesn’t need to happen," said Emma Hacker, a political science student. "Continued spread of Omicron is going to cause untold harm, not only to vulnerable members of the community but to the entire Lower Mainland."
Hacker pointed out that thousands of SFU students rely on transit to get to campuses throughout Metro Vancouver, and it is not possible to physically distance on crowded buses and skytrain cars.
"I care about SFU and the people in my community," Hacker said. "And it’s really clear to me that SFU, according to their actions, does not."
CTV News requested an on-camera interview with someone from the school’s administration but SFU declined and instead provided an emailed statement from Catherine Dauvergne, the university’s provost.
"There is a unique and irreplaceable value to in-person learning and we have been guided in our decision to return to in-person learning by Public Health and through work with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training," she said in the email.
"We recognize the anxiety and concerns that people are experiencing from the pandemic, it has been a long and difficult few years. We know that there are a wide range of opinions and preferences amongst our community, but it’s particularly important to note that the majority of in-person classroom and learning settings are not considered close-contact environments for the transmission of COVID-19, based on the layers of protection that are in place, i.e., vaccination, masks, and ventilation.”
Some students who attended the walkout did not want to share their names with CTV News over concerns it could impact their standing at the university.
"I just think SFU is very harsh with reactions to students who use their voices," said one student who is pursuing a double-major in Criminology and Gender Studies.
She said classrooms are full, with students sitting side-by-side without additional separation or barriers.
"Why weren’t we consulted? Why weren’t we asked how we wanted the school to be run?" she asked. "So, that is why we are here, so students can have a voice and be able to tell them. And hopefully they will listen."
Dauvergne said SFU is willing to work with students on an individual basis if they do not wish to attend classes in-person.
"If a student feels that they cannot participate in classes as scheduled, they do have options available. Academic concessions are available to all students," she said. "SFU’s Centre for Accessible Learning also supports accommodations for all students with documented disabilities under human rights policy. We have strengthened supports for students feeling anxiety and we encourage all students in need of support to reach out."
More than 4,400 people have signed an online petition calling for the school to continue with online learning, but only a few dozen attended the student walkout.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.