Retraction: “Concordia student kicked off campus for peaceful protest”

The following is a statement of retraction and apology

This article has been retracted and the following apology has been issued. File Photo Dorothy Mombrun

The editorial team at The Link wishes to address an issue concerning our recent article titled "Student kicked off campus for peaceful protest," published on March 5.

Following an investigation, we retracted the article in its entirety from our online platforms. A formal correction will also be included in our forthcoming print edition.

The Link promptly launched the investigation after it was brought to our attention that one of the subjects interviewed has publicly endorsed ideologies that directly contradict the inclusive and respectful discourse The Link strives to promote. As such, the editorial team could not knowingly platform this individual and maintain our values as an advocacy newspaper. 

The Link has a mandate of uplifting and platforming members of marginalized communities. Such revelations are deeply troubling and stand in direct opposition to our core values of inclusivity and our ethical standards.

We extend our sincerest apologies to our readers. The Link is committed to fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard, respected, and celebrated. 

This incident does not represent the quality of journalism we aim to deliver, nor does it embody our dedication to uplifting marginalized communities.

Action and Commitment

In response to this incident, we are:

  • Conducting a thorough internal review of our editorial processes to identify and correct any gaps in our verification standards.
  • Implementing enhanced training for our staff on the importance of rigorous background checks and sensitivity to the complex impacts of our reporting.
  • Reinforcing our commitment to serve as a platform that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion through responsible journalism.

The Link stands firmly against all forms of bigotry, including racism, sexism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, queerphobia, and any other ideology that seeks to divide or harm. We are deeply committed to ensuring our newspaper upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We thank our community for their support and patience as we work through an internal review of our editorial process. 

We appreciate your understanding and continued trust in The Link.

This article originally appeared in Volume 44, Issue 11, published March 5, 2024.