Let us not forget that those in opposition to James Moore's appointment as chancellor of UNBC come from across the university community. Faculty, students, staff, alumni and community members have all voiced their opinion on the petition opposing Mr. Moore's appointment.
As a faculty member at UNBC, I am greatly concerned about comments from parents that indicate they will not encourage their children to attend our institution; or from alumni who will no longer provide donations; or students who are considering transferring to another institution or not attending convocation.
Hundreds of students, alumni and community members have made these statements.
This year, UNBC finally attained the status of best primarily undergraduate university in Canada.
Mr. Moore's appointment as our chancellor threatens that status and undermines the achievements we have made in the past 25 years.
I also want to stress that my opposition, and that of many of my colleagues, has nothing to do with Mr. Moore's political beliefs.
I'm sure that some of my students are supporters of the Conservative party. I defend their right to have those beliefs.
My concern lies in the actions that Mr. Moore took and supported while a minister in the previous government.
These actions include closing up to 75 per cent of the Status of Women offices, eliminating funding to women's health organizations, making equal pay for men and women in the public sector negotiable rather than part of the Canadian Human Rights Act, alongside attacks on freedom of expression, the muzzling of scientists, and the refusal to support an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.
In all of these actions, as a minister in the government, Mr. Moore clearly demonstrated that he is against the core values of our institution and that he does not fulfill the commitment to "equity, excellence, and diversity" that a chancellor of UNBC must hold.
Dana Wessell Lightfoot
Prince George
