Dean's message concerning John Gormley tweet
You will be aware that an article appeared in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix on November 17, 2015, concerning a tweet posted by John Gormley. The president of the Law Students’ Association, Paul Fedoroff, contacted the Dean’s office on the same day to raise student concerns about this offensive communication.
On November 18, the Dean’s office contacted Mr. Gormley by e-mail and by telephone. He apologized unreservedly for the tweet, which had been removed within hours of being posted. He acknowledged that the communication was unacceptable and inconsistent with the College goal of creating a learning environment that is productive and supportive for students of all backgrounds.
Since then, Associate Dean Surtees and I have had an additional conversation with Mr. Fedoroff. Over the coming weeks, we will be working with student organizations to arrange events which will engage members of the College community in consideration of diversity issues, and we hope that these will be the basis of an ongoing conversation about the importance of inclusiveness in our institution.
Beth Bilson, Q.C.
Acting Dean, College of Law
Since then, Associate Dean Surtees and I have had an additional conversation with Mr. Fedoroff. Over the coming weeks, we will be working with student organizations to arrange events which will engage members of the College community in consideration of diversity issues, and we hope that these will be the basis of an ongoing conversation about the importance of inclusiveness in our institution.
Beth Bilson, Q.C.
Acting Dean, College of Law