Last Thursday, the Independent Student Inquiry (ISI) released its final report regarding the events of Nov. 10, following the release of a preliminary report on Dec. 1. The chronology of the events of Nov. 10 is similar to that laid out in Dean Jutras’s report, released on Dec. 15.
The Tribune applauds the efforts of the students behind the ISI. Despite limited access to video footage and the refusal of many administration members to provide interviews, the inquirers provided a comprehensive discussion of the events of Nov. 10. Given their limited resources, we are impressed that this report came together at all. Their suggestions will hopefully contribute to a broader campus dialogue centering on their recommendations.
The most important addition to the discussion is the inquiry’s proposal that the McGill administration file a formal complaint with the Police Ethics Commissioner of Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) regarding the events of Nov. 10. Numerous students and one faculty member—who were not involved in the protest or occupation whatsoever—were pepper-sprayed, tear-gassed, and physically assaulted by riot police. It is clear from video footage and testimonials that these actions were often unprovoked and represent an over-reaction on the part of the SPVM. The tense atmosphere on campus has no hope of dissipating without a formal complaint by the administration.
We recognize that such a complaint would be mostly symbolic in nature. It would not be surprising if it were ignored entirely by the SPVM. However, this action is necessary in building the positive relationship with the police that Dean Jutras recommended in his report. A relationship where the SPVM can use brutal force on McGill’s campus without being held to account is not a positive one. Currently, the lesson SPVM has learned from Nov. 10 is that it can send riot police to campus and pepper spray students, innocent or not, without fear of repercussions.
The filing of a formal and firm complaint would demonstrate that the university stands in solidarity with its students, not the SPVM. Such a complaint would aid in stimulating productive discussions with the student body. The lack of attendance at the recent Open Forum meeting suggests that many students are suspicious of the administration’s attempts to move forward, and the complaint would be an essential step to restoring student confidence.
This year has seen a tumultuous disintegration of relations between administration, staff, and students. We should welcome civil discourse surrounding many of the recent events, but that can only start when the university starts looking out for the safety of its students. Without a formal complaint, distrust will continue unabated.
