Message from the VIUSU Director of External Relations

On Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU) convened during a regular board meeting to address a significant issue: the Israel-Palestine conflict. We approved a statement recognizing its complexity and the profound emotions it stirs among us. This effort is part of our broader commitment to engaging thoughtfully with issues that resonate globally and affect our community deeply.

A valid question might be why we are choosing to issue a statement at this moment. The reason is that we believe in the current context it's important to communicate openly about our ongoing efforts and the consistent approach we have upheld. This statement doesn't mark a shift in our stance; rather, it's an effort to transparently showcase the foundational approach that VIUSU has always adhered to.

To help you understand what informs us in these endeavors, we're sharing the VIUSU Constitution with you. Acting as our roadmap, this document directs our governance and representation efforts and is particularly vital when we face challenging decisions. It was crucial in forming our stance on the conflict, and by sharing it we aim to offer you a clearer understanding of the values and principles driving our decisions and our representation. 

While we navigate these discussions, we realize we may not meet every expectation. Yet, we remain dedicated to our principles, aiming to make the best choices for our community. We value your input and encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback - this is not just welcome but essential for us. Let’s continue this dialogue to build understanding and unity in our diverse community.

VIUSU Constitution
The purposes of the Union are:

• a. to organize students on a democratic, co-operative basis for advancing students’ interests, and advancing the interests of the students’ community;

• b. to provide a common framework within which students can communicate, exchange information, and share experience, skills and ideas;

• c. to bring students together to discuss and co-operatively achieve necessary educational, administrative, and legislative change wherever decision-making affects students;

• d. to facilitate co-operation among students in organizing services which supplement the learning experience, provide for human needs, and which develop a sense of community with our peers and with other members of society;

• e. to articulate the desire of students to fulfill the duties and be accorded the rights of citizens in British Columbia, in Canada, and in the international community;

• f. to achieve the goal of a system of post-secondary education which is accessible to all, which is of high quality, and which is rationally planned; which recognizes the legitimacy of student representation and the validity of students’ rights; and whose role in society is clearly recognized and appreciated.

Statement on the Palestine-Israel Conflict from the VIU Students' Union Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors of the Vancouver Island University Students' Union (VIUSU) acknowledges the deeply intricate and longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine. We recognize the multifaceted narratives that encompass this conflict and stand in solidarity with all those affected by the ongoing conflict. Our commitment is towards fostering a campus environment where dialogue, understanding, and empathy serve as pillars towards achieving a just and enduring resolution.

Collectively we advocate for peace and international cooperation, we aspire for a resolution that honours the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. VIUSU remains steadfast in advocating for a future where all individuals in the region, and globally, can live in peace, security, and dignity.

As representatives of a diverse student body, we appreciate the myriad ways in which our community connects to this issue—whether personally, academically, or through a desire to contribute to global peace efforts. We understand our limitations in directly influencing the conflict from afar. However, we firmly believe in the power of education, awareness, and active engagement to foster a culture of peace and justice.

To this end, VIUSU is dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces for open, respectful dialogue around the Israel-Palestine situation and beyond. We are committed to ensuring this dialogue is conducted in an environment where safety does not preclude the necessary courage to engage with challenging and divergent perspectives.

We reaffirm our commitment to actively support student engagement. We will continue to advocate for the free speech rights of our members who publicly participate in discussions about this conflict, ensuring VIU recognizes and upholds these rights. Additionally, we are dedicated to providing material support through the mechanisms at our disposal, such as our club system and grants program. Members interested in leveraging these programs to deepen their engagement with the issue will find robust support from us.

Moreover we call upon our academic community to actively support research, coursework, and educational events that delve into the historical, political, and cultural dimensions of the conflict. By equipping ourselves with a comprehensive understanding and engaging in informed dialogue, we can contribute to a more empathetic and knowledgeable and peaceful global community.

In solidarity,

VIU Students' Union Board of Directors