Shame on UBC
Re: Apology doesn’t right the wrong, Christie Blatchford, Jan. 4
UBC President Santa Ono has apologized for the cancellation of John Furlong’s speaking engagement “without proper consideration of its potential impact on Mr. Furlong or his family.” Has he given one moment’s thought to its actual impact on the integrity of the university as an institution that values intellectual rigour, due process and simple fairness?
Kathleen Keating, Vancouver
What is the purpose of a judicial system if a person who i s exonerated of charges continues to be tried, found guilty and suffer consequences in the court of public opinion at the hands of a self-appointed sexual-assault advocate? The news of Santa Ono’s apology to John Furlong comes too late and appears to be purely political in nature. If the decision did not include Ono and the process was flawed and lacked a rigorous debate then Ono should have reversed the decision and welcomed Mr. Furlong back as the keynote speaker instead of stepping into the role himself. Mr. Furlong and his family have suffered unimaginable pain these last few years and yet he continues to demonstrate the most amazing taste and grace at every turn. Despite yet another completely unwarranted public humiliation he urges the public to continue to support the University and the athletes he was to address. I am a UBC alumna who has responded to every call for a financial donation. But despite Mr. Furlong’s appeal to take the high road, I will not contribute in the coming year as a protest to UBC’s shocking treatment of this very fine man.
Linda Spruston, Burnaby, B. C.