Dennis Bayazitov | Assistant News Editor
Featured image: Students gathered in Vari Hall and later marched to Kaneff Tower to voice concerns about investment. | Ali Hussayn
On February 1, the York Federation of Students (YFS) assembled a crowd of about 150 students in Vari Hall—filling its three floors and overrunning the then-ongoing poster sale—for “Drop Fees, Not Bombs,” a rally to demonstrate student support for York to divest from all arms manufacturers and to implement free tuition.
YFS President Rawan Habib said: “The reason many of us are here today is because of a violent process of commonization of genocide, and we can’t forget that.”
Moe Alqasem from Students Against Israeli Apartheid—one of five founding organizations of the YU Divest campaign—emphasized the struggle of Palestinian victims, particularly civilians killed by “Israel when it goes into Gaza,” with weapons provided by the five global arms manufacturers York accepts investments from: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Textron, and Amphenol.
When Alqasem criticized Donald Trump for declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, one attendee began chanting “let’s go Israel!” repeatedly in hopes others would join—no one did. Shortly after claiming his right to free speech, the individual was removed by security.
Alqasem said York does not follow its motto, “tentanda via”—Latin for “the way must be tried”—“the only way they have tried is the way of injustice, war, and human rights violations.”
He added that York ought to divest, and try “the way of the student democratic community: the way of peace, human rights, justice, and solidarity.”
In response, Barbara Joy of York Media says: “York is one of the most diverse universities in Canada, with students from all over the world. That diversity is a great strength, and it is in our interest to build on that. We also value diversity of thought, and encourage respectful dialogue with those of differing perspectives.
“While we value different views, we have zero tolerance for hate or racism, and will ensure that all students who come to York have the opportunity to learn in an environment free from discrimination.”
When asked to comment on York accepting investments from arms manufacturers, Joy says: “York works with investment managers, rather than choosing individual stocks. This approach to investment is considered Best Practice by the Social Investment Organization and the Coalition of Universities for Responsible Investing.
“It does not recommend the use of negative screening or divesting from particular companies. Ultimately, any change to the university’s investments would first rightly go to the Board of Governors for a decision.”
Habib chanted “rise up, fight back!” and criticized York’s Board of Governors: “They’re going to ignore the fact that we’ve met time and time again, and they’re going to vote to increase our tuition fees!”
YFS Vice-President (VP) Operations Mary Asekome advocated for the rights of international York students. She emphasized that while domestic students’ fees see a small increase, international students’ fees are not regulated, and can therefore be raised arbitrarily.
Anaïs Dagrou, a second-year Political Science Glendon student, focused on the lack of access to services Glendon has compared to the Keele Campus. “We, as student leaders, should create more associations at Glendon.”
Roshni Khemraj, with Amnesty at York, said disabled and international students, students of colour, and students with mental illnesses all have barriers to overcome; they must sacrifice their health, families, security, and homes. Khemraj said everyone was brought together by a “common purpose and passion.”
Khemraj said York disbands and ignores the very committees they set up for responsible investment.
Graeme Reiners, with CUPE 3903, emphasized CUPE’s solidarity with protesters. Reiners’ speech suggested York and President Rhonda Lenton don’t care about students’ education, and stated a strike was the only way to get their attention.
Habib said: “The university has attempted to pit us against one another, but we know that’s not the reality. We know that Rhonda Lenton doesn’t care about our education. She cares about her six-figure income.”
Terry Maley, VP External with the York University Faculty Association, said: “It’s about time we get to York as a united group of faculty students, contract faculty, CUPE, and all of you—it is time for free education at York and across the province!”
In response Joy says: “President Lenton is our students’ loudest advocate and greatest champion. From meetings with government officials, to supporting our students at international competitions, like the HULT prize. She began her term by reaching out through open meetings with every faculty, staff, and engaging with students at every opportunity.”
