Vol. CXXXVII, No. 8 October 31, 2016 thevarsity.ca —— The University of Toronto’s Student Newspaper Since 1880
The inevitability of death may expla in our fascination with the stories of those who have lef t their terrestrial bodies behind Feature: page 12
UTSU AGM approves Appellate Board, changes to budget policy Meeting lauded for civility, early conclusion Kaitlyn Simpson, Jack O. Denton, & Aidan Currie Associate News Editors and Associate Features Editor
As the union’s Vice-President Professional Faculties Ryan Gomes put it, Thursday’s University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was one of the most “civil” in a long time. To the noted surprise of the executives, the chair, and the members alike, the meeting was remarkable precisely for its lack of controversy, unlike the AGMs of previous years. It was called to order at 6:45 pm and adjourned at 8:35 pm. Past meetings have been marked by disruptions, long delays, and divisive motions. Following introductory remarks on procedure and equity, the meeting began with a 25-minute presidential address and question period with UTSU President Jasmine Wong Denike. Denike outlined various UTSU initiatives and campaigns. She argued that the UTSU
has been responsible with their funds and stressed the importance of holding the union accountable. One question for Denike came from a UTM student, who asked about the UTSU’s upcoming anti-Blackness town hall and their efforts to reduce anti-Blackness on campus. Denike replied that the UTSU is “attempting to work with Black groups on campus in a much more constructive way.” There were also three motions on the agenda, one of which was an omnibus motion to apply all of the bylaw amendments made by the board; all of the motions carried. University College Literary and Athletic Society Vice-President Daman Singh moved an amendment to bylaw 6.2 concerning the Elections and Referenda Committee’s ability to call multiple ratification meetings. This sparked debate over the democratic process of the UTSU and clarification on the proposed Appellate Board’s purpose as part of the bylaws. AGM, page 3
Trouble in the long run The stagnation of Canadian long distance running Page 21