UBC's Response

From: UBC President's Office <presidents.office@ubc.ca> Sent: Monday, November 6, 2023 4:36 PM To: Executive Office <executiveoffice@jewishvancouver.com> Cc: Blue, Diane <diane.blue@ubc.ca>; Ezra Shanken <ceo@jewishvancouver.com> Subject: Re: Letter from Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver Dear Ezra and colleagues of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, Let me thank you for your thoughtful email and letter as well as for the sincere welcome to UBC. I wish our first interactions took place under less difficult circumstances.

The reports across the hemisphere, at universities and elsewhere, of serious incidents that echo the war and violence in Israel and Gaza are deeply concerning. While I oppose all forms of prejudice and discrimination based on identity, I acknowledge the particular perniciousness and historical persistence of anti-Semitism.

The university is striving to support our students, faculty and staff who are affected by this tragedy. These measures have included, but are not limited to, accommodations, increased security on our campuses, emergency funds, and professional support services. We will continue to offer this essential support and we encourage anyone who is in need to reach out.

To properly serve their academic and social mission in a period of intense conflict and division, universities need to be extremely mindful of preserving both a safe and respectful environment as well as freedom of expression and academic freedom. I appreciate that your letter states that upholding these complementary core values is essential to academic integrity, and that your email make the crucial point that this benefits everyone.

Thank you for providing a partial list of the most recent alleged incidents that fall short of these shared ideals. Towards addressing these issues, the Provost will undertake to: 1) discuss with the Deans on Wednesday the role of the classroom during political conflict and the importance of open, principled and balanced debate; 2) work with the Executive to determine the proper response to challenges across the spectrum of behaviour during this conflict; 3) consult with the Dean of Arts (the Faculty referred to in the incidents reported) to determine if there are incidents that require follow-up by the Dean or by the Heads and Directors in question. 4) consult with the Associate Vice-President Equity & Inclusion (AVPEI) on advising services available to students as well as uptake on existing resources guiding faculty on parameters of free speech, discrimination, and hate speech.

Any student encountering an issue in the classroom should report it to the Instructor or to the relevant Head or Director. If any student concerned about faculty behaviour requires confidential advising or consultation, they may contact the Equity & Inclusion Office for advising on resolution options. The Hillel leadership may also be in direct contact with the AVPEI. Any student encountering an issue in the classroom should report it to the Instructor or to the relevant Head or Director.

You may also have seen, this morning, my message to the community reminding everyone of our shared duty to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all, offering professional support, and clearly emphasizing that hate and racism of any kind will not be tolerated at UBC. This was prompted and informed by a much appreciated meeting with colleagues from Hillel and CIJA last week.

I look forward to meeting you. Please accept my very best in these difficult times, Benoit