The University of British Columbia Okanagan says its hands are tied on the issue of allowing a Conservative club on campus, citing the student union's independence.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lesley Cormack said that while the school strives to uphold academic freedom, the UBC Student Union Okanagan has a right to make its own decisions about which clubs it ratifies.
"We are aware of the recent decision by the UBCSUO to deny ratification of a political student club and of their emergency meeting to reconsider that decision," she wrote in a statement.
"The UBCSUO is an independent student-led organization with its own elected Board of Directors and governance structures. Through these mechanisms, they can make independent decisions with respect to student club ratification and allocation of student union resources."
Cormack noted that the school nonetheless "stands firmly behind its responsibility to uphold its principles of free, lawful, and respectful expression of all views and opinions, even those with which some may disagree," as laid out in the Okanagan Senate Statement on Academic Freedom.
The document states that UBCO must exist as a place where members are free "to engage in full and unrestricted consideration of any opinion."
"This extends to the rights of students, faculty and staff to engage with and participate in politically affiliated clubs and groups," she added. "UBC is further bound by BC's University Act, which compels both campuses to remain non-political."
Cormack concluded by making it clear that "civil discourse and robust debate are not only fundamental to our academic mission, but core also to our role in Canadian society as a place of higher learning and understanding of all points of view."
"There were differing opinions among directors," Student's Union Vice-President Internal Rajat Arora wrote to the applicant after their request was denied.
"Some were in favour of ratifying the club, considering Kelowna's conservative presence and the opportunity for political debates featuring various perspectives. However, concerns were raised regarding the political stance of the party your club would represent, rather than the club itself."
He cited directors' concerns related to black and LGBTQ+ communities, arguing the party's alleged views "could make students from these groups feel excluded or unwelcome," and suggested the club could "take a more neutral stance to ensure inclusivity and encourage open political dialogue without unintentionally alienating any student communities."
Amid backlash from students, community members, and politicians alike, however, the board announced that it would be holding an "emergency meeting" at 6 p.m. on March 13 to "carefully consider its position on the matter."
