Monday, March 05, 2012
VICTORIA--In an email sent to students early last week, the University of Victoria administration has expressly forbidden student teachers from participating in protest events related to the BC teachers' job action.

"It reflects very poorly on the University of Victoria when the institution's administration attempts to intimidate students into not exercising free speech off campus in events that will directly impact their careers," said Zachary Crispin, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-British Columbia. "Students training to become teachers stand to lose as much from Bill 22 as current teachers do."

In an email to all education students on practicum, the Associate Dean for Teacher Education said:"Students are to maintain a 'neutral' stance; regardless of their personal feelings or alignments, as University of Victoria student teachers they are not to participate in protest events related to these negotiations during practicum time."

"The dean has gravely overstepped her authority and should retract her bogus demand," said Crispin.

Thousands of students, teachers, and allies are expected to descend on the Legislature lawn in Victoria on Tuesday, March 6 to protest the BC government's refusal to negotiate a fair deal with the BC Teachers' Federation.

The Canadian Federation of Students-BC is composed of post-secondary students from 16 universities and colleges in every region in BC. Post-secondary students in Canada have been represented by the Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organizations since 1927.

Contact: Zach Crispin, Chairperson
Tel: 604-733-1880