Support for Members Regarding Lawsuit Filed by UBC Professors and Former Graduate Student

We have been following the lawsuit filed by four UBC professors and a former graduate student in BC’s Supreme Court regarding perceived “political activity” on the part of the University, namely the University’s widely practiced land acknowledgements, as well as its equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, and statements regarding Israel and Palestine.

We understand that this issue may be a source of concern or distress for some of you. Land acknowledgements are not just symbolic—they are part of ongoing efforts to recognize the truths of colonization and to support reconciliation. When these efforts are questioned or undermined, it can have a real and personal impact that questions the truth about the history of Canada.

We also want to note that the acknowledgement of international events that impact members of the UBC community is not about political alignment or activism. It is about recognizing human dignity and community wellbeing. As a public institution, universities have a duty of care to create safe, inclusive environments. If an international crisis causes grief, fear, or marginalization within a community, acknowledging it is an ethical and socially responsible practice, not a political position.

Additionally, equality rights are enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It provides a foundation for initiatives that address systemic inequality, which makes EDI initiatives legally mandated and not optional.

Ensuring hiring practices in academic environments are equitable is in line with basic human rights. Federal and provincial human rights codes prohibit discrimination in employment and academic environments. UBC’s EDI initiatives are therefore part of compliance to legislated requirements and best practices, not political ideology.

We will be monitoring this litigation as it proceeds. In the last round of bargaining AAPS and the University both made a commitment to decolonizing our Collective Agreement and your workplace. AAPS’s commitment to the decolonization process remains unwavering and, while we would not presume to speak for the University, we have received no indication from it that its commitment to decolonizing your workplace has changed.

We are also thinking about how this affects you, our members. We want to affirm our continued support for Indigenous members and for all members navigating the emotional impact of this moment.

We ask that you please take care of yourselves and each other.  We have listed several resources below to ensure that you take care of your mental health and overall well-being.

Employee and Family Assistance Program

We encourage you to access your Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) benefits. If you log in to the EFAP website through Greenshield+, they have professional counselling services that you can access.

24/7/365 counselling services are available for you and your family. If you are stressed out, overwhelmed, or feeling low, we encourage you to access EFAP’s counselling services by phoning them at 1-866-424-0770. Counselling is available in person, over the phone, and online.

UBC Extended Health Benefits 

If you qualify for UBC Benefits, under your UBC extended health plan, you can access a registered psychologist, clinical counsellor, or social worker. You do not need a referral, and your visits are 100% covered up to $3,000 per benefits year. You can learn more about paramedical services on the UBC benefits website.

You can also use the resources and mental health supports listed on the AAPS website.