UBC administration is upset by Metro Vancouver’s proposal that would regulate and restrict the use of academic land on the UBC Vancouver campus.
The proposal bites at the heels of the recent passing of Bill 13 by the provincial legislature, which amended the University Act to give post-secondary institutions more jurisdiction over their campuses, including allowing them to fine and collect parking tickets.
UBC President Stephen Toope expressed his sentiments in a broadcast e-mail to all students, staff and faculty.
“This is an attempt to intervene in the governance of UBC in a way that could be devastating to our academic freedom,” he said.
“I cannot overemphasize how important it is that UBC continue to fully and responsibly govern its academic land use. The freedom to learn is fundamental to why universities exist, and that freedom must be underpinned by autonomy to decide what, where, and how to study.”
The University Neighbourhoods Association, a governing body that regulates and represents family housing residences on campus, have also expressed their opposition to the proposed bylaw.
Stephen Owen, UBC VP external, egal and community relations, said UBC was “shocked” when Metro Vancouver introduced what they call “a wide-ranging and intrusive document” that included nine new planning zones and additional land regulations for areas that have been set aside for academic purposes for over 100 years.
The university has asked students, staff and faculty to express their support by e-mailing academic.freedom@ubc.ca. The proposal will be discussed at the Electoral Area A board meeting this Friday, as well as a joint UBC/GVRD committee meeting on November 25.
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