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Dr. Atiya Mahmood studies accessibility in the Lower Mainland

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Written by: Mahdi Dialden, News Writer

SFU gerontology researcher Dr. Atiya Mahmood and her team have been working on knowledge mobilization, a project that seeks to educate and address the needs of people with mobility disabilities in the Lower Mainland. 

The project has been split into two phases, the deMAND project (Enabling Mobility and Participation Among Those with Disabilities) and the MAP initiative (Mobility, Access, and Participation). 

The deMAND project partnered with North Vancouver, New Westminster, and Vancouver to audit the environment, and study whether mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers were accessible. Surveys and multiple forms of observational strategies were used to compile a dataset of the accessibility in the cities.

The MAP project, which is set for the future, will focus on three aspects relevant to those with mobility disabilities. Firstly, looking at transportation —  whether it be TransLink or Uber — and if it’s accessible or not. Second, it will look at navigation and pedestrian environment accessibility, and access to neighbourhoods, sidewalks, parks, and shopping centres were studied to determine safety for those with mobility disabilities. The last focal point will explore how visuals influence social inclusivity. Mahmood explained, “Are there options for socialization there? Another thing that we don’t often think about, is it visually pleasing for people to be in those spaces? Is it inclusive? Do they feel they belong or they don’t?” 

The overall project included a user-led audit on the walkability and wheelability of the three cities. Auditors were asked to present their findings in two different ways — objectively, through a checklist that asks about the physical features of the area and subjectively, asking about the perception of the user to their surroundings. Five sections in the community were assessed: functionality, safety, appearance and maintenance, land use and supportive features, and social aspects.

Functionality focused on sidewalks and streets. For example, obstruction on the sidewalks and streets, both temporary and permanent (garbage bins, parked vehicles, trees, fire hydrants, etc.), that created “a break in the path, often needing excessive re-routing,” were recorded in all cities 50% of the time. 

The safety domain looked at traffic, weather, topography, and personal safety. This included items such as street and lighting conditions, drivers’ courtesy and cyclists, perceived personal safety, and the presence of negative elements. 

The findings showed that “the presence of public open spaces and well-maintained greenery, presence of street furniture and street lights all received average ratings of approximately 50%.” In terms of land use and supportive features certain areas in cities had, “a very limited number of [accessible] amenities and services”

In every single section, subjective input was higher reflecting the needs, preferences, and perspective of participants along with the objective features. “Subjective data complement objective findings by providing a more in-depth understanding of an individual’s interaction with their neighbourhood and the surrounding built environment.”

Mahmood explained that the ultimate goal is to use the findings to inform policy at different levels, ranging from provincial and federal levels. “Our team, the larger team, was affecting national policy that was going on for accessibility for persons with a disability,” Mahmood said. 

Finally, the educational aspect of the project aimed to inform the public on mobility issues and push for better accessibility. It entailed events hosted for the community, presenting the data in the form of an informational video, along with a photo exhibit and board game. The video’s intended purpose was to present in a captivating way, Mahmood explained, a “video speaks much more than showing a lot of bars, some charts, numbers, you know, it’s much more realistic to people.”

For more information on mobility issues, explore SFU’s Knowledge Mobilization Hub.

Mainstream veganism needs to focus on equity over moral outrage

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Not everyone can afford to shop “pure” and “clean.” PHOTO: Anne Preble / Unsplash

by Meera Eragoda, Arts & Culture Editor

I grew up with a vegetarian mother and ate a mainly vegetarian diet until I was about 17. I’m originally from Sri Lanka, and a lot of our food is conducive to vegetarian and vegan diets. Today, I still eat largely vegetarian because the commercial meat industry remains incredibly exploitative towards animals and the environment. If people are able, they should cut down on their consumption of commercially produced meat.

From what I’ve just said, you might believe that I’m a supporter of veganism or vegetarianism, but I’m not. Or rather, I don’t support the mainstream vegan movement.

Mainstream veganism is rife with purity politics, and the presence of racism, classism, and elitism within it. Of course, there are vegans whose veganism is anti-oppressive; there are people of colour who have enjoyed largely plant-based diets for thousands of years before the popularization of it by mainstream vegans. Their voices are largely drowned out by mainstream vegans who do not understand or acknowledge their own privilege.

Mainstream veganism constructs an idea of health as “purity.” While I agree that the commercial meat industry is detrimental, what seems to be motivating mainstream veganism is this idea of purity politics — the idea of putting only “clean” foods in your body. But this requires deeming certain foods “unclean,” implying that the people who eat them are somehow sullied. Mainstream veganism perpetuates the idea that only vegetables and plant-based food are “pure” or “clean” and all meat or meat products are “dirty.” Additionally, it seems to disavow certain types of vegetables if they’re not organic, making it a very elitist stance on food. 

This idea of “purity” intersects with issues of class privilege. Foods that are labelled vegan or organic are actually more expensive, making them unaffordable and inaccessible to many both in and out of food deserts. I cannot recall going into a grocery store and finding organic veggies that are cheaper than non-organic ones. In addition, places that are designed to appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and supporters of “clean” eating, such as Whole Foods and farmers markets, are themselves expensive and, in the case of the latter, designed for people who have time off on weekends to visit them. Often the rebuttal to this is to avoid pre-made vegan foods and instead buy the individual products, which doesn’t factor in that not everyone has the time to prepare a nutrition filled meal without meat. Cooking meat is often faster and cheaper than sourcing together and preparing non-GMO goods for a vegan meal.

Next, there’s the racism present in mainstream veganism. It ignores the cultural ties people have to meat. To use one example, there are Indigenous communities in Canada that still consume meat sustainably and are also active in conservation. Not to mention that often communities of colour are the ones who rely on cheaply produced meat to survive. A veganism that dismisses other ways of being without understanding that colonialism is responsible for animal exploitation and environmental damage is an incomplete veganism.

Mainstream veganism can also be unwelcoming towards vegans of colour and fat vegans. The image of a vegan that is constantly sold to us is a white, able-bodied, thin one. This exclusion is on top of the fact that vegan food can be incredibly appropriative when it sources and profits from other cultures.

Ultimately, the root cause of all this exploitation is capitalism and colonialism. Even if consuming a vegan diet isn’t as damaging as supporting the meat industry, consuming anything under capitalism is. Just look at avocados with their huge water consumption, tendency for deforestation, and drug cartels infringing on the market. Our consumption of coffee also damages land, and the cashews we enjoy are picked by Indian women who get burns on their hands from the toxins. Where in mainstream veganism is the fight to change the working conditions of (largely racialized) people? There are also no efforts to ensure that Indigenous conservation is supported, that migrant workers are protected, or that food sovereignty is achieved.

The mainstream vegan movement should be advocating for all of these causes and for people to cut down on commercially produced meat wherever they can. Greater involvement in this fight would help the movement concentrate on accessibility instead of gate-keeping and moral purity.

Kickstart Disability’s event speakers talk candidly about how disability and ableism affect their art

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Topics of discussion included how to redefine disability to recognize value in it. Courtesy of BC Culture Days

By: Serena Bains, Staff Writer

Editor’s note: The language used in this piece is at the writer’s discretion as a member of the disabled community but perspectives on identity-first or person-first language vary within the disability community.

10 x 5: Art & Disability was an event that took place on October 24 to platform the art and voices of disabled artists, and allow them to describe how their disabilities inform their artwork. The event, presented by BC Culture Days and Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture, consisted of 10 artists doing five-minute presentations on their relationship with art. Following this, there was a question and answer session, during which participants could gain further insights into the artists’ perceptions of their disabilities and how these intersect with their artwork.

Whenever I attend an event held by the disabled community, I feel at home, as I know the community present can empathize with experiencing the same constant ableism that I have experienced. As someone who gave up artwork long ago due to joint pain and a lack of motivation, the event was a refreshing and nuanced expression of loss, passion, and pain. The artists spoke about how the reality of resiliency from a disabled perspective is enduring pain to simply participate in a creative process.

August Bramhoff, who became disabled as a result of an accident in 2013, expressed the loss experienced while reflecting on learning how to write their name again: “Just having the thought of possibly losing something that I valued more than anything, [ . . . ] my ability to create and make art. That shook me to my core.” Healing and regaining their ability to make and create art became Bramhoff’s main priorities. Bramhoff continues their work on these priorities constantly, as a photographer who works with film — digital work aggravates their disability. Bramhoff has a series of self-study pinhole photography that will be in an upcoming show in the Ranger Station Gallery in November.

Artist Taryn Goodwin works with the mediums of dialogue and interviews to reframe the body as knowledge. She presented and read one of her pieces which consisted of an interview she had with herself. The purpose of the interview piece was to encourage people to go at their own pace in pursuing reflection, wellness, and power. After reciting the interview, Goodwin asked participants to reflect and interview themselves about how to non-judgmentally listen to their body and how to integrate wellness within their artwork — especially when pursuing their passion can cause more pain.

Goodwin inquired of us, “What ways can we build slow, full, activism in producing personal power and agency, against the capitalist, ableist, classist, [and] racist forms of oppression? And how can we redefine disability? Not as a limitation, but as a skill set to be shared, exchanged, and valued?”

Troy Lindstrom is a line work illustrator whose upcoming exhibit in December at the Two Rivers Gallery consists of portraits of people who have had a positive impact on his life. While Lindstrom expressed his love for art, illustrations, and the creative process, he also reflected on the anger and resentment living with a disability can create within a person. Many of his illustrations express these emotions through pieces entitled #NotAMonster, #NotInvisible, and #NotBetterOffDead. The latter represents the extent of society’s ableism, where it is a common belief that the better alternative to not having a disability is not existing at all. 

Lindstrom spoke to why I imagine all of the artists and participants were present at the event, saying, “If we want to be seen, we must stand and show society who we are. It is a decision that every person with a disability must make for themselves because it comes with risks.” If we don’t show society who disabled people are and gain further representation, nothing will change for us.

Overall, the event was a reflection of the barriers disabled people have to endure in every aspect of our lives. While the resilience of every artist is noteworthy, the discussion avoided the ableism of inspiration porn where people “overcame” their disabilities. The conversations of ableism, capitalism, racism, and all forms of oppression from the viewpoint of disability justice is a necessary dialogue that will continue through these artists and their resulting artwork.

No, The Social Dilemma, we won’t be deleting our social media accounts

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Social media can be as much of a friend as it is an enemy. PHOTO: Afif Kusuma / Unsplash

by Emma Jean, Staff Writer

A couple of weeks ago, I settled into watching The Social Dilemma in the name of a family movie night. From what I had heard, the full-length Netflix documentary-drama sounded like the least enjoyable part of an introductory communication class, and as I watched it, my suspicions were confirmed. When I asked my dad weeks later what he remembered from the film, he replied: “Phones are bad.” He paused, and then said: “Well, I guess phones are OK in moderation.” The latter would be the more logical conclusion, but that certainly wasn’t the narrative the filmmakers overwhelmingly chose. 

One former tech executive after another sat across from a camera and expelled warnings about the manipulative nature of social media while dramatic scenes played in between. It certainly made good points about the techniques that algorithms use to keep your attention, but it drew a sensationalist conclusion that the people who use social media are helpless against its seduction. In reality, users that are armed with a knowledge of how these platforms operate can often dodge these tactics and reap all the good that they can offer. 

Many of the (over)dramatized moments of the film focus on the manipulative functions of social media, forcibly radicalizing a doe-eyed teenage boy through strategic push notifications. This reminded me of the presentations I sat through in high school attempting to scare impressionable teens into seeing the dark underbelly of social media lurking just below the surface of their cell phones. It’s not so much that they’re completely wrong — it’s ignorant to say that a sinister and manipulative side of social media isn’t weaponized in order for platforms to make money. Anyone who’s lost 20 minutes of their day from just opening TikTok can tell you that. However, it’s also ignorant to assume that there can’t be measures taken against it, and that the profit-hungry intentions of the product always outweigh the good it can provide. 

Some of the most valuable and fulfilling communities I’m a part of have been discovered and maintained through social media. It’s helped me find hobbies, music, career aspirations, mental health support, political resources, queer groups, even a path back to something adjacent to spirituality. All of these have made my life dramatically richer, and most of which I likely wouldn’t have found without it. In so, so many ways, it’s made me feel less alone. I’ll take that with the side of digital caution any day. 

A major ‘sobering’ moment from the film is the idea that when people consume a free service, their potential patronage is what is being sold to advertisers. While it does feel shocking to imagine some part of ourselves being sold as a digital entity, what that really means is that companies make money from showing us ads.

This just manifests in the way the personalization of ads has become more common and how social media companies are engineering ways to keep viewers online long enough to be exposed to them. If impulses around ads are managed and there is awareness of corporate tactics, social media doesn’t need to be a bad place. Simply turning off browser personalization cookies make it so personalized ads aren’t even shown at all. 

Social media doesn’t need to be the boogeyman that the filmmakers made it out to be. They’re not wrong about the manipulative nature of social media, but don’t let that take away from the benefits. To be conscious of media consumption, take on strategies to limit exposure and not get sucked into ads or an algorithm. If social media is giving community and goodness to your life, it’s perfectly smart and okay to keep it in it regularly. Don’t fall for the panicking narrative that The Social Dilemma lays out.

Monday Music: Songs for morally ambiguous villains

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Arts
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"Monday Music" in giant yellow block letters with a red background
Monday Music: your weekly themed playlist. Image courtesy of The Peak.

By: Molly Lorette, Peak Associate

There’s rarely anything more intriguing than a well-written and morally complex villain. Of course, a cool motive rarely justifies the atrocities committed by a villain, but it does make the story much more exciting. Not to mention, villains always have the coolest movie music moments! Here are just a few of my favourite bangers that I think are best suited to those sympathetic villains we all know and love.

“Heaven Knows” — The Pretty Reckless

Courtesy of Goin Down Inc.

This is definitely the kind of song I would totally commit arson to (for legal reasons, this is definitely a joke). I would picture this villain as someone who has been driven to their actions by the unfortunate circumstances created around them, just understandable enough to be somewhat sympathetic. More than likely, they would be the kind of character motivated by revenge. Over time, they have been so blinded by anger and resentment that they won’t allow anyone (not even a hero) to stop them in their quest — all the while accompanied by post-grunge rock guitar riffs and themes of religious guilt.

“Uprising” — Muse

Courtesy of Warner Music UK Limited

This is the kind of song I would imagine being used for a character who is the leader of some kind of anarchist movement dead set on overthrowing the government. So many different options have been exhausted, that they have come to believe that a complete blank slate is the only option for peace. Such a character would perfectly suit the overall mood of this rock anthem, which calls fellow anarchists to arms against corruption. Not to mention, Muse is no stranger to awesome music moments in movies (see: the vampire baseball scene in Twilight).

“I Will Never Die” — Delta Rae

Courtesy of Sire Records

I’ve always had a somewhat soft spot for villainized women in horror and I feel as though I would be somewhat remiss if I didn’t include them. This folk rock song is for the kind of villain that I imagine as either immortal or raised from the grave in some capacity. Though it may not be particularly badass in the classic sense, its slow drumbeats and eerie lyrics are perfect for a villain sharing the same dramatic flair as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus, with the kind of motivating resentment that can only be strengthened from a supernaturally long lifetime.

“Toxic” — The Surfrajettes 

Courtesy of Hi-Tide Recordings

No villainous movie moment could ever be complete without an awe-inspiring fight scene, and there’s no better background song than the 60s surfer rock cover of Britney Spears’ iconic song “Toxic.” To me, there is something very badass about subverting the familiar into the unfamiliar. I can’t help but imagine how awesome it would be to watch a villain and a hero face off against one another in a fight to a death, all the while accompanied by an upbeat beach-y guitar ditty.

Need to Know, Need to Go November 9 to 15

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Illustration of a blue calendar, with "Need to Know, Need to Go" written on top
Arts & Culture events to catch around the city. Image courtesy of Brianna Quan

By: Charlene Aviles, Peak Associate

South African Film Festival | November 1–12 | Cost: $10 | Online

The South African Film Festival will offer 15 documentaries and short films for online streaming, the proceeds of which will go to Education without Borders’ (EwB) programs in South Africa and Canada. Immerse yourself in the world of South African culture, history, and politics. Participants have a maximum of 24 hours to access their rented film. The films discuss various topics such as the rights of the San and Khoi Indigenous peoples, apartheid, Nelson Mandela’s activism, ballet, adoption, and poaching. 

Eastside Culture Crawl | November 2–9, 12–15, 19–22 | Free | In-person at various venues and online

The 24th annual Eastside Culture Crawl is a visual arts, design, and crafts festival featuring 247 artists. The festival events include a silent auction, “artists’ demonstrations, workshops, [a] Talking Art series, and [the] Moving Art virtual exhibit.” At the Talking Art series, gain insight from the panel of artists who discuss their struggles adapting to a pandemic. All participants must wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Because no drop-in studio visits are permitted, book an appointment before visiting the studio. Virtual studio tours are available via live stream.

Lumière Vancouver | November 5–30 | Free | English Bay and Jim Deva Plaza

The 7th annual Lumière Vancouver, “an annual event inspired by light, art, and creative expression,” showcases light installations in English Bay and Jim Deva Plaza. After sunset, participants can enjoy the view of the grizzly bear and prism light installations. The event organizers recommend that participants wear face masks, sanitize their hands, and adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

Canadian Online Jazz Festival | November 8–5 | Free | Online

Through a collaboration with jazz artists throughout Canada, several jazz festivals from several Canadian cities will feature performances from various music genres such as R&B, jazz, and soul. Please note that the 2020 Jazz Sudbury Festival and TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival are postponed.

Seth Klein discusses his newest novel, A Good War, at SFU Vancouver Lunch ‘n’ Learn event

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Written by: Karissa Ketter, News Writer

Vancouver-based public policy researcher and writer Seth Klein was featured at the October 27 event hosted by SFU Vancouver via Zoom. Klein’s book, A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency, argues that the climate crisis we are facing today parallels Canada’s fight in World War II. Klein stated that the similarities are “not just in economic terms, but in a host of areas.” The connections to WWII reminds us that this isn’t the first time “we have mobilized in common cause across society to confront an existential threat.” 

In his discussion, Klein noted that his book aims to address how public opinion is “rallied to support mobilization during the war [and] how could it be galvanized again.” He also addresses “the role of government, the news media, [and] arts and culture [in gaining] social solidarity secured across class, race, and gender.” 

Klein examines the economic implications of eradicating the need for fossil fuels. This coincides with the need for public policy and social security for fossil fuel workers. Components of this could include “a real childcare program, free post-secondary education, and elder care, and all of these things that would change the balance of what we think we need to pay for on our own and what we pay for together,” according to Klein. 

The opening discussion offered an introduction to the first chapter of his novel: a 14-step battle plan for climate mobilization. Klein argued that  some of the most important steps are to adopt an emergency mindset, rally the public, and ensure the economic infrastructure to support the fight. In the fight for climate change, Klein’s primary focus is shifting our legal policies.

Klein noted that he believes “inequality is toxic to social solidarity and mass mobilization.” Indigenous peoples “played an important role in the second World War,” as Klein remarked. “As our mainstream politics dithers and dodges on climate change and coherent action, over and over and over again, it is the assertion of Indigenous rights and title that keeps buying us time” as Indigenous peoples have fought for the slowing of fossil fuel consumption and conservation efforts. 

A workshop moderated by SFU Professor of urban studies Meg Holden led a discussion period, following Klein’s introduction to his book. In addition to public policies regarding fossil fuel workers, Klein also discussed the importance of youth-led activism. 

Klein stated that “Vancouver has one of the most ambitious climate emergency plans in North America.” Their recent climate change motions have all been passed unanimously, which is unusual for Vancouver’s city council. Klein noted that the reason for this was the high school students who would skip school to rally outside while the votes were taking place, filled the galleries, and spoke in front of the council. According to Klein, it was their movement that “made it politically impossible to vote no.”

Klein argued that “our leaders [are] reluctant to recognize what would be necessary” in the fight against climate change. Klein noted his disappointment in the message that Trudeau’s government is sending — explaining that they passed “a climate emergency motion in the house of commons one day, and then proceed with reapproving the TMX pipeline expansion the very next day.” This is “a dynamic that [he calls] the new climate denialism.” 

With his book, Klein invites “all of us [to] reflect on who we want to be, as we act together to confront this crisis.” 

For more information on Seth Klein’s A Good War, visit his website, which outlines organizations and movements for activists, volunteers, and financial supporters. For more information on upcoming Lunch ‘n’ Learn Discussions, see SFU’s Event Calendar. 

Land acknowledgements should reflect actionable commitment by settlers

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Efforts by colonial institutions should go beyond superficial statements. Photo Courtesy of SFU News

by Serena Bains, Staff Writer

Land acknowledgements have become more commonly recited in recent years, with many meetings, classes, and emails including whose unceded lands we are currently situated on. In most cases, however, land acknowledgements only serve as a script for settlers to recite and to check off the box titled “Performative and Inconsequential Act of Reconciliation.” 

As a settler, prior to hearing my first land acknowledgement in lecture, I was ignorant to which nations’ lands I was on and what this meant. Now, I know that I reside on the unceded Coast Salish lands of the Katzie, Tsawwassen, Kwikwetlem, Stó:lō, W̱sáneć, Kwantlen, and Stz’uminus nations, but I still have a minimal understanding of what this means. While I fully acknowledge that this is part of my responsibility as a settler and ally, this is also a reflection of how empty of a gesture land acknowledgements have become.

Hayden King spoke to the idea of how these acknowledgements can be so hollow. King is an Anishinaabe scholar who wrote a land acknowledgement for Ryerson University in 2012, which he has now come to regret. He stated that “territorial acknowledgment is by and [ . . . ] for non-Native people” and “it effectively [ . . . ] offers them an alibi for doing the hard work of learning about their neighbours.” He also expressed his concern that land acknowledgements are becoming so customary in institutions like universities that settlers are essentially giving themselves permission to reside on unceded land.

So, what makes an effective land acknowledgement? First of all, settlers cannot rely on the labour of Indigenous peoples to provide land acknowledgements at their behest. This too provides an excuse for settlers to ignore the history of the nations they live on. The basis of any land acknowledgement should be for one to recognize their place in the continuation of colonialism, to whom these lands belong, their history, and how they can actively support reconciliation efforts and Indigenous peoples.

It is also important to recognize that while land acknowledgements are a good place to start with reconciliation efforts, they are not the end of them. Colonialism is the status quo, therefore, all settlers play a part in this continuous event even without active participation. Reconciliation is a process that happens simultaneously to colonialism and also requires a consistent and active effort to participate in. Therefore, reciting a land acknowledgement and ending one’s work after standardized words like “unceded meaning these lands were not given up in any way” is not reconciliation. 

It is critical to reflect on what reconciliation truly means in a personal context. In the past, I have considered reconciliation to be the same performative action I’m advising against now. This doesn’t make me irredeemable, but I do recognize that I have and continue to play a role in colonialism. Through true and continued reconciliation, such as further education, supporting Indigenous communities by platforming their voices, donating to and volunteering for Indigenous organizations, and advocating for Indigenous spaces and rights, I can lessen my participation in colonialism and increase my reconciliation efforts. 

The meaning behind a land acknowledgement should be a statement of one’s commitment to reconciliation and the recognition of one’s place in the continuation of colonialism. It should be the starting point for a lifelong education and continued action to support Indigenous peoples. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission consists of 94 calls to action, where many Indigenous people call for reconciliation efforts to go beyond this number. Land acknowledgements are only a precursor to these efforts and a primer in what it means to participate in true reconciliation.

“I understand these are trying times,” says the professor making the times trying

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Humour
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PHOTO: NordWood Theme / Unsplash

By: Kyla Dowling, Peak Associate

Subject Line: Paper now due Tuesday

From: [email protected]

To: AHH 101 (All Sections)

Date: November 5, 3:33 a.m.

Students, 

Many of you have asked for an extension on the 14-page organometallic chemistry paper due on Monday at 11:59 p.m., citing “the state of the world” as the reason. I hear you. I see you. Now, it is due on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m.. Remember, if you need anything, feel free to drop by my office hours. I’m sure some of you may have actually read my syllabus, but to remind the lazy ones, those are from 1:32 a.m. to 2:13 a.m. every full moon. Again, I am here for you.

Take care, 

Professor Professorson

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Subject Line: Quiz Deadline

From: [email protected]

To: AHH 101 (All Sections)

Date: November 6, 6:06 p.m.

Students, 

To test your knowledge of last week’s 126-page reading on the emerging field of quantum biology — despite the fact that this is a first year chemistry class and half of you are FASS students in search of your B-Sci credit — I have just uploaded a quiz to Canvas. The quiz is 30 questions long and worth 7% of your final grade. I do want to note: I know these are difficult times and I empathize with all of you, which is why your time limit for the quiz is now 10 minutes and 32 seconds instead of 10. 

Warm regards,

Professor Professorson

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Subject Line: Cat Update

From: [email protected]

To: AHH 101 (All Sections)

Date: November 7, 4:20 a.m.

Students, 

Many of you have been asking about my cat, who was meowing during last Sunday’s mandatory 10 p.m. lecture. To brighten your spirits in these trying times, I have attached a photo of Meowssolini. If you look in the bottom left of the photo, you’ll find that his litterbox is in fact lined with your “Epidemiology in Shakespeare” research papers that I never actually graded. This is a reminder that even in the darkest times, the work you submit is never useless. By the way, for the next paper you submit, please print it on newsprint paper rather than printing paper. Meowssolini prefers it

All my love, 

Professor Professorson

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Subject Line: Reminder About Bar Examination 

From: [email protected]

To: AHH 101 (All Sections)

Date: November 7, 12:21 p.m.

Students, 

Just checking in on everyone at this crucial point in the semester. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, as well as feeling well-prepared for next week’s bar examination. Remember that this exam is two days long, starting precisely at midnight Wednesday. Bathroom breaks will be penalized. I understand some of you have emailed your TAs with complaints saying that you have “other classes” or “a job” or “bodily functions to take care of”, but an important part of being a productive online student is time management. This is your responsibility. 

Stay safe, 

Professor Professorson

Board Shorts — October 30, 2020

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Image: Irene Lo

Written by: Karissa Ketter, News Writer 

An update on the SUB closure 

Recent CDC updates on the rising COVID-19 cases in British Columbia have prompted a reaction from the SFSS regarding the Student Union Building (SUB). They passed a motion that the SUB should stay closed to all but essential personnel and Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) Board of Directors members. They will review the situation every few months. 

VP Finance Corbett Gildersleve exclaimed that “as much as [he’d] love it for students to see the building, it’s not a good idea right now.” The building has been closed and SFSS President Osob Mohamed noted that now that they have a safety plan, they “don’t have any justifiable reason to phase out” of it. She concluded that it is “a difficult decision to make, but I think the right one.”

The Ban the Bottle Initiative presentation

Three of SFU’s Ban the Bottle (BTB) members presented and discussed their plans to end commercialized bottled water selling at the SUB “and seek endorsements of SFU’s commitments in this area.” BTB is an SFU club that works “to advance sustainability and promote water security and environmental justice,” according to its President. 

They aim to encourage a bring your own bottle culture at SFU. Their priority is to ensure water accessibility all across the SFU campus. Part of this includes their water fountains that “provide extremely high quality water,” according to their presentation. They noted their efforts to “increase the accessibility of water refill stations across campus.” 

They began their presentation with the importance of eradicating plastic bottles. Their Vice President noted that “the plastic containers that bottled water is sold in [is] hugely problematic for ocean health and environmental pollution.” They explained that 91% of plastic produced isn’t recycled. Encouraging students to recycle their plastic bottles or providing them with recycled-plastic bottles, “isn’t much of a solution,” according to BTB. They noted that instead, it’s more effective to remove plastic consumption altogether. 

Bottled water can have quite “far-reaching social impacts,” according to BTB. They noted that British Columbia allows commercial water bottlers to continue exploiting water from communities during droughts and boil water advisories. 

This is true for the Six Nations of the Grand River Indigenous community in Ontario, where commercial companies are extracting water from their water resources while the community remains on a boiled water advisory. They noted that this disproportionately affects Indigenous communities and people of colour. 

VP Student Services Matthew Provost noted that there are “633 First Nations communities and the majority of them, including [his] reserve, are under bottled water advisories.” He explained that bringing more awareness to Indigenous communities struggling with water security while commercial companies are unaffected is an important part of the campaign because communities of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour are the most affected. 

Gildersleve questioned the continuation of this initiative into other soft drinks like pop, which also uses single-use plastics. BTB noted that SFU has plans to end the sale of all bottled drinks from vending machines by the end of March 2021. The details of this goal are still being considered, although BTB noted the success of banning plastic water bottles may affect their further plans. 

BTB was appreciative that the SUB’s goals of phasing out plastic bottles is aligned with SFU’s sustainability goals. BTB noted that the next step is to generate support from SFU and having the SFSS endorse the decision to phase out plastic bottles from the SUB on December 31, 2020. The SFSS decided to continue the conversation and vote on a motion at the next meeting to endorse the decision. 

BESU common room to be converted into lab space 

Environment Faculty Representative Anuki Karunajeewa brought a discussion to the Board Meeting that the Bachelor of Environment Student Union (BESU)’s common room is going to be changed into a lab space — and did not consult its students. This is planning to take place on December 1, 2020. Mohamed noted that the abrupt decision to revoke the space makes it seem as though the university is trying to push the relocation with as little student pushback as possible. 

Karunajeewa noted that the BESU and the Environmental Science Student Union are meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 to discuss the possibility of petitions or campaigns in resistance. According to Karunajeewa, this highly utilized space is important to students. Mohamed noted that while there’s little they can do to force SFU’s hand, “with enough push back” the university might consider changing their plans.

Mohamed voiced that the Board is in support of the student unions and they need to “let the university know that this is super inappropriate [to snatch] up common space that has been used by students.” 

BESU president Nathan Zemp also attended the meeting to note that they are aiming to circulate a petition and “gather [ . . . ] voices to send a message.” According to Zemp, they will consider refusing to participate in future events within the Faculty of Environment if SFU won’t honour a fair negotiation for the future of the room.

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024