Concordia’s Irresponsibility
I am writing in regard to Concordia University spokesperson Chris Mota’s comments about the stance the Simone de Beauvoir Institute has taken toward tuition fee increase. (“A Boost From Beauvoir,” The Link, Vol. 31, Iss. 21)
Mota’s comment, “This is what they say their research has shown. It has nothing to do with the university’s position,” is not only negligent of responsibility on behalf of the university and how tuition fees are indeed endorsing further sexism and racism in society, but also smacks of arrogance from those within the academy to push for increased tuition fees.
Effectively, Concordia University, through Chris Mota, is stating that, indeed, they approve of the social dynamics that maintain sexism and racism intact in society.
Ours, dear Women’s Studies peers, is pedagogy of anti-oppression, and it is time that we put our bell hooks, Audre Lorde and Gloria Anzaldúa readings to practice. It is time that we walk our pedagogy—even if that means walking out of classes and striking.
Such is the arrogance of those in power—mainly made up of white, affluent, heterosexual males—and the capricious ways that they will hold on to their power, that, in spite of evidence that proves tuition increases will have a grim effect on women, indigenous peoples, and people of colour, they insist that tuition increases are necessary and positive. They do not care.
Mota’s words attempt to distance the university from this uncovered prejudice by suggesting that it is not the university’s position. Yet they fail to realize that, by supporting tuition increases, they are in fact covertly working to maintain sexist and racist oppression.
This, however, is no longer covert when the data demonstrates the social problems linked to tuition increase in terms of sex, gender and race.
On Feb. 29, at 12:30 p.m. in room H-110 of the Hall Building, we Women’s Studies students have the opportunity to stand up for our principles, and our anti-oppression mandate and speak to our power as students and as feminist thinkers who will not accept the status quo’s endorsement of further discrepancies, inequalities and injustices of power in our society.
In a society that makes the attainment of an academic degree mandatory in order to access a better life and education, we should all have a right to this. We must resist elitism, classism, racism and sexism. We must displace this grotesque monopoly of power. Let’s stand in solidarity with our Francophone peers!
— Hector Villeda-Martinez
BA Women’s Studies
