To the Editor,
As a full-time university student, I’d like to say that I am offended by the subtle messaging being sent out by Vancouver Island University.
VIU is providing students with important information, but it’s being done in a way that is biased and unfair to the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association.
In a recent e-mail, Toni O’Keeffe, executive director for communications and public relations at Vancouver Island University, states that they “are disappointed with VIUFA and the impact strike action will have on students, other bargaining groups and the public, and we apologize for any inconvenience that will be caused to students, employees and the public as a result of VIUFA action”. But it is clear to me that VIU is just as responsible for this process.
The opposite of this would be to have the VIU Faculty Association apologize for the university’s stubborness, suggesting that it was VIU that forced this outcome.
Both frames would be childish finger-pointing, but only the university is resorting to this kind of behaviour as a formal message to students.
In speaking with many faculty members in different departments, I was informed that there have been a number of issues regarding their contracts and other job terms that VIU could have resolved.
By suggesting that the government has forced their position, VIU attempts to shake any responsibility for strike action, and I find this transparent attempt at political messaging to smack of cowardice.
Cameron Wigmore
Nanaimo