In response to the SSMU General Assembly

Dear Vice- Chancellor Fortier:

Iam writing to express my grave concern regarding the Students’ Society of Mcgill University voting out members who are Jewish. Discrimination on the basis of religion is not acceptable, not to mention in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights. The University can not allow this to happen. Would this have been allowed if the members were Muslims or Catholics or Atheists?

Universities have a mandate to encourage freedom of thought, allowing differing ideas, not creating a factory of singular thinkers. Differing opinions and ideas should be encouraged and discussed, not banned. These student members are as entitled to their opinions as the other students are. Assuming that someone who does not blindly agree with the majority, or has a different belief is automatically wrong, is not only ignorant but contrary to what Universities should be teaching. Students should be encouraged to consider other view points without being so quick to automatically reject contrary positions.

In areas where there is conflict, there exist multiple viewpoints, activities, and realities that are perceived differently by different parties. No progress can ensue should contrary opinions not be open to discussion.

It is critical that you veto this discriminatory and prejudicial decision by the Students’ Society of Mcgill.

Sincerely, Dr. Zoe A. Zlot