In a controversial move, the YFS has invited Big Sean to headline YorkFest 2015. The artist had previously appeared in court facing allegations of sexual assault.
The charges were subsequently dropped, but questions remain as to whether the decision is the right one for a student union, which is, in its own words, “working hard to establish sexual assault policies, and investigate new ways to make our campus a safer place.”
Moreover, Big Sean has composed songs with lyrics degrading to women, including his hit single “Dance (A$$)” featuring the words “if she look good, she pay me in sex.”
Students expressed reservations about the invitation. Fourth-year psychology major Sheela Thoppil accuses the YFS of backwardness.
“That’s really backwards of YFS,” says Thoppil. “I just think that for a school that is known for frequent sexual assaults on campus, they would have thought twice before inviting someone with a history of sexual violence to perform for the school.”
[su_quote]“If they (YFS) represent York students, then inviting people with history of sexual violence is blatantly ignoring people who have have been assaulted on campus or in general. YFS isn’t exactly doing a good job representing students.”[/su_quote]
Others were alarmed.
Mandi Gray, PhD student, Organizer Silence is Violence, says she is shocked Big Sean has been hired at a time in the semester when sexual assaults are most likely to occur.
“This is in clear violation and contradiction of YFS commitment to various equity campaigns advertised, particularly the ongoing No Means No campaign. By hiring and sponsoring such an event YFS is complicit in rape culture,” says Gray.
“By celebrating a perpetrator of violence, violence against women is normalized and glorified. This is not about rap music, this is about the performer selected,” she adds.
Fourth-year English and professional writing major Emylee Kahr says the YFS is responsible for fostering campus safety.
[su_quote]“If people want to see him perform in Toronto, that’s their decision, but the YFS has a responsibility to create a safe environment to the best of their abilities for all students,” says Kahr.[/su_quote]
“While we can’t know for sure what happened back in 2011, there are hundreds of other musicians and Toronto-based musicians that would love to perform at York,” she adds.
Additionally, students remain in the dark as to the costs of bringing Big Sean to York.
YFS President Mithilen Mathipalan says the YFS is contractually bound not to disclose the cost of the artist. He pegs the total cost for all YorkFest events at $115,000.
[su_quote]Additionally, in response to the student union’s choice to have Big Sean, Alexandria Williams, VP-Campus Life, says, “The charges against Big Sean were dropped.”[/su_quote]
Alex Kvaskov, Assistant News Editor
With files from Jenny Mao, Copy Editor and Eulalee Lumsden
