This past week, several professors from McGill donned some of the religious symbols that the Parti Québécois (PQ) has deemed ‘ostentatious’ in protest of the proposed Quebec Charter of Values. This charter would forbid public sector employees, including university professors, from wearing such symbols. Among those falling under sanction are turbans, hijabs, kippahs, and large cross necklaces—small jewelry, however, would be allowed. Last week, political science professor Catherine Lu organized a campaign with University of Montreal professor Marie Joelle-Zahar that called for professors to wear these symbols in classes starting on Sept. 12
Other News
National League Awards
Clayton Kershaw has put an end to all questions about the race for the Cy Young award with his stellar output this season. This should be the third year in a row for the 26-year-old that he places in the top two of Cy Young voting. His 224 strikeouts in 230 innings, ERA of 1.88, and WAR of 7.5 have cemented the left-hander as the undisputed best pitcher in baseball.
McGill rescinds fee for Mental Health Services
On Thursday, Ollivier Dyens, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning), announced that McGill has removed its one-time $20 registration fee for students using McGill’s Mental Health Services. Students who have already paid the fee at the beginning of September will be reimbursed.
Devon Sproule and Mike O’Neil – Colours
Ontario natives Devon Sproule and Mike O’Neil—formerly of the pop combo The Inbreds—have come together to create a record sitting somewhere on the line between upbeat pop and low-key folk. Colours is a collection of warm indie pop tracks that nicely combines Sproule’s folksy tone with O’Neil’s tendency for catchy pop.
Sports Briefs
The McGill Redmen took on the John Abbott College Islanders this past weekend for a Saturday afternoon double-header. The star for the Redmen was senior outfielder Channing Arndt, who nailed three home runs and batted in seven runs over the two games. McGill came out roaring in the first match, running away with a score of 7-0 by the second inning. The Redmen dominated the Islanders 15-5 in the first game, and polished off John Abbott 14-3 in the evening finale. The Redmen will play the Islanders once more on Sept. 26 at Gary Carter Field.
American League Awards
Despite Detroit’s loaded rotation, Max Scherzer’s statistics still shine on a staff where all five members have logged over 150 innings with an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 3.44. It might even be safe to say that Detroit would still be a contender without their ace. However, even if you ignore his MLB leading 20 wins, Scherzer clearly edges the rest of the competition. The only other pitchers worth consideration are Felix Hernandez and Yu Darvish, who both trail Scherzer in innings pitched and don’t come close to his sparkling 0.965 WHIP.
Senate addresses Quebec Charter, MUHC relocation
Fortier addresses Quebec Charter of Values, university rankings, and frosh In her opening remarks at the Sept. 18 Senate meeting, Fortier addressed the impact of the Quebec Charter of Values at McGill and the implications of two recently-released university rankings. Regarding the charter, Fortier re-stated the university’s commitment to creating[Read More…]
PGSS to reduce Council size, oppose Charter of Values
Reduction of seats in Council The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University (PGSS) has reduced the number of seats in its Council from 131 to approximately 80. The reduction maintains the proportions currently set in place for each individual Post-Graduate Student Association (PGSA), with rounding done to the nearest integer.[Read More…]
This is PFFR
Known for their absurdly irreverent comedies, produced for MTV2 and Cartoon Network’s sister channel Adult Swim, writers/producers/comedians John Lee and Vernon Chatman are showcasing several special video clips, and holding a Q & A during POP Montreal this weekend.
True neutrality cannot be imposed
At first glance, there may be much to applaud in the “Charter of Values.” Its claims to reinforce gender equality and religious state neutrality are commendable. In such a culturally diverse society, remaining neutral prevents the state from favouring any particular group over others, allowing it to view all faith groups and communities on equal footing. In this sense, the state upholds its principle of freedom of religion, protecting and preserving the beliefs and rights of expression of its citizens regardless of faith or lack thereof. In addition, providing equal job opportunities for both men and women, with equal pay and benefits, will improve social justice and bolster the economic well being of Quebec families and individuals.
