A message from Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor
Dear VIU community,
In the past year, requests have increased for universities to take public stances on political matters and world events. While these calls come from a place of care and compassion, I want to share my reflections and learnings from the past year and thoughts on why it is important for the university administration to remain neutral on such issues.
First, we are compelled by the University Act to be non-sectarian and non-political. At the same time, VIU strives to create an environment where all members of our community can freely exchange ideas, engage in robust debate, and challenge one another in ways that promote learning and growth. To maintain this environment, it is crucial that we protect the space for open, respectful, and constructive dialogue especially on difficult and controversial topics.
While it may be tempting for the University to take public positions on current events or political issues, this can have unintended consequences and stifles the very open dialogue we seek to promote. Our role as a university is not to endorse specific viewpoints, but to facilitate an environment where all voices can be heard in a manner that respects the rights and safety of our entire campus community.
Of course, there are limits to what constitutes acceptable discourse. Acts of discrimination, hate speech, or harassment have no place here. We will enforce policies that protect the physical and emotional well-being of our community, both students and employees.
Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of academic life, but it must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with our shared values of understanding, connection and commitment. Freedom of expression does not include acts of racism or exclusion, such as Islamophobia and Antisemitism. Freedom of Expression does not permit the disruption of university activities or the damage or destruction of university property. These actions are inexcusable and will be addressed through decisive measures.
As we continue to navigate complex and often polarizing issues, I want to remind all of us of our collective responsibility to engage in conversations that are thoughtful, informed, and respectful. Universities are unique spaces where the most challenging discussions can and should take place, and it is my hope that VIU remains a place where all students and staff feel safe to participate in these important dialogues.
On that note, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. David Paterson as our new Associate Vice-President of Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights (DEHR), effective September 16, 2024. David's addition to our Executive Team in this role reflects my commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where every student can thrive. This is an interim role for Dr. Paterson. We will start a search for his permanent replacement in 2026.
I'm looking to Dr. Paterson to build on VIU's foundational processes and policies regarding human rights, inclusion, equity and diversity. I trust David's vision, respect his approach, and thank you all in advance for the support I know you will show him in this role. I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Paterson for his exceptional service and leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Education. His remarkable contributions are well known at VIU and widely respected across the post-secondary sector.
As always, I encourage members of our community to reach out for support if they feel they need it. Support, counselling, and wellness information for employees can be found on our Employee and Family Assistance Program homepage. Supports for students, including counselling, wellness, and information for students in distress, can be found on the VIU Counselling website.
I thank you for your unwavering commitment to making VIU a welcoming and intellectually vibrant community. I remind you of the importance of kindness and empathy in our daily interactions. Together, we are fostering a culture of understanding, mutual respect, and academic excellence.
Sincerely,
Deborah Saucier, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor
