City examining relationships with Redeemer
Wants to ensure education institution following protocol for gender identity, expression
Several Hamilton councillors say they were deeply affected by the death of Redeemer University student Bekett Noble, who took their own life last November.
“This really hits so many of us in this room and the community,” said Coun. Alex Wilson during a Feb. 16 emergency and community services committee meeting. “It has not been easy. It has been very hard on the community.”
LGBTQ advisory committee chair Rebecca Banky said Noble’s death has been a “heavy topic” to discuss among committee members because it impacts all individuals. “This feels personal,” Banky said. Coun. Nrinder Nann said she was “very conscious of the impact on our community” that Noble’s death has had and wanted to take action to ensure issues are addressed.
Councillors were discussing two recommendations the advisory committee approved at its Jan. 17 meeting, including requesting the city examine any contractual agreements it may hold with Redeemer University to ensure the education institution was following the city’s protocol for gender identity and gender expression, along with transgender and gender nonconforming persons, and that statements issued by various community groups on Noble’s passing be included in a future council agenda.
The advisory committee stated that it was “deeply saddened and concerned by the news of the death of Bekett Noble. Compounded by the details that are emerging of the struggle they faced in fighting for greater acceptance and support for queer identities within Redeemer University.”
The fourth-year psychology student had been for years detailing to staff and faculty about the “daily microaggressions” that had been targeting LGBTQ students at the university. Noble started Genesis, a group to support queer students, and participated on a committee for LGBTQ relations with facility and student senate members.
“I have advocated in every way I knew how even though all those ways put me well outside my comfort zone,” Noble stated in an email that was sent out to staff, friends and faculty soon after their death.
But eventually, Noble said despite the effort and hard work to prompt change, they quickly learned about the “detrimental effects” that conservative religious organizations have on the mental, physical and academic health of queer people.
To potentially effect change in the culture at the university, Noble stated “things need to be shared more bluntly because they are incredibly serious” and that if change didn’t happen soon, “someone was going to die.”
But that change Noble fought so hard for didn’t happen and on Nov. 23, they took their own life in the university’s counsellor office.
“I never thought it would be me who was finally the first to collapse under the weight of everything we go through to try and get a Christian education while embracing who God created us to be,” they stated.
Redeemer, on Dec. 10, lowered its flag to half-mast to remember the life of Noble. In a statement, the university said Noble was a “muchloved co-worker” who worked on campus in several capacities including at the front desk and at the bookstore. On Dec. 3, a memorial service was held on campus for Noble, bringing together staff from the university administration, students, facility and staff.
Angela Burden, the city’s general manager of healthy and safe committees, stated the city has been involved in several contractual arrangements with Redeemer University. The education institution is part of the ongoing funding of CityLAB, a permanent hub of innovation allowing students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders to create solutions to various city priorities.
Burden said the city has also paid for rental space at Redeemer University.
Susan Nicholson, the city’s solicitor, said legal staff will review any of the contractual relationships the city may have with Redeemer.
‘‘ I have advocated in every way I knew how even though all those ways put me well outside my comfort zone.
BEKETT NOBLE