Former director of NCTR set to continue decolonization work at University of Victoria

On June 24 it was announced that Ry Moran, founding director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) has been appointed the inaugural associate university librarian (reconciliation) at the University of Victoria.

Moran’s new position is the first of its kind in Canada.

The NCTR was established at the University of Manitoba in the summer of 2015 with the goal to “preserve the memory of Canada’s residential school system and legacy,” and to house all materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. 

Moran’s work has focused on ensuring approaches to preserving and accessing such documents remain respectful to survivors and faithful to the historical record in a way that empowers Indigenous peoples.

As a member of the senior libraries staff at the University of Victoria, Moran is to continue his work of decolonizing approaches to preserving knowledge.

 

U-Pass not in effect for fall semester

U of M students will not be seeing the U-Pass fee reflected on their fall semester account statements.

The U-Pass, which carries a $200 fee per semester, will not be in effect until the winter 2021 term at the earliest. 

Due to fall term largely being offered remotely, the U-Pass program is not in effect during the term. However, UMSU is offering a subsidy to students requiring a post-secondary pass that would bring the cost of the pass in line with the cost of the U-Pass. 

A form to apply for the subsidy will be available online in the coming weeks.

For students in need of financial assistance, the UMSU hardship fund is currently open for applications until the fund is depleted. The form to apply for this fund is now available on the UMSU website. 

 

Former music professor Steve Kirby to receive $286,000 payout from the U of M after sex assault accusation

Steve Kirby — a former U of M jazz professor in the Desautels faculty of music — has won a sizeable payout from the U of M.

In June 2018, Kirby was charged with sexual assault, with the incidents in question allegedly taking place between September 2014 and January 2017. The charges stemmed from allegations of sexual assault of a 19-year-old female who was his student at the time. 

The charges were stayed.

Kirby filed a grievance in 2017 with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association, claiming — according to the grievance ruling by arbitrator Arne Peltz — “privacy breaches, including damages and the reinstatement of the grievor to his employment with the university.”

According to the Aug. 5 ruling, Kirby declined to be reinstated at the U of M despite the arbitrator being prepared to do so.

Following arbitration, Kirby is set to receive $286,000 from the university.