Public Statements

23.03.2024
HUCSC ELECTIONS COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON 2024 HUCSC GA Representatives Elections

The Elections Committee finds that Griffin Marling, running for Philosophy Representative, intentionally misrepresented facts and failed to comply with the spirit and purpose of the election in an effort to gain an advantage and run unopposed

If you require more infomation on this matter, you may request information from the CRO: Cro@myhuron.ca

23.03.2024
HUCSC ELECTIONS COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON 2024 HUCSC VP ELECTION VIOLATIONS

The Elections Committee has found that Rishad Poonawala, a candidate for Vice President Student Events, should receive an intermediate level warning for campaigning in the Beaver Dam, an unauthorized space.

If you require more infomation on this matter, you may request information from the CRO: Cro@myhuron.ca

17.11.2023
NOVEMBER BY-ELECTIONS 2023

November By-Election Violation: Disqualification of Mehak Bhatia from the election for French Representative. Reason: failure to meet candidate eligibility requirements. The elections committee has ruled that the candidate is ineligible for the November By-Election, but is welcome to run in future elections. Meeting minutes are available upon request to the CRO: cro@myhuron.ca

13.10.2023
HUCSC CHIEF RETURNING OFFICER’S STATEMENT ON 2023 HUCSC FALL ELECTIONS

Technical difficulties have affected the election of the East Asian Studies Representative. Under elections policy point 10f, campaigning will be extended by 2 school days, followed by 2 days of voting. This will occur during the November By-Election period, pending approval by the General Assembly.

This only affects the election for East Asian Studies Representative, all other election results will be posted within 48 hours of the time the polls closed.

This decision will ensure all student voices are heard.

26.03.2023

HUCSC ELECTIONS COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON 2023 HUCSC VP ELECTION VIOLATIONS

Midway through the HUCSC Spring elections Huron informed the HUCSC that election posters would no longer be permitted on walls around campus. To that end Huron facilities also made note that they would begin removing posters themselves. This message was promptly communicated to candidates. 

Naisha Chopra:

The elections committee has found that Naisha Chopra was in violation of the HUCSC elections policy s6.02 (2) (i) failure to comply with the spirit and purpose of the election. After a notice from Huron Facilities that election posters would no longer be permitted on the walls of Huron buildings they disregarded Huron’s request and did not remove their posters in a timely manner. The elections committee found her choice to neglect following the elections policy based on their intent to break the rules for political gain. The elections committee has decided to issue the candidate a warning, publish a statement, and restrict the candidate from posting any more election posters for the remainder of the campaign period.

Carl Lubano:

The elections committee also found that Carl Lubano’s campaign had violated the elections policy s6.02 (2) (i) failure to comply with the spirit and purpose of the election. Carl, after receiving the same message regarding posters at Huron did not remove their posters in a timely manner. The elections committee has found him in violation of the above policy. In this case the committee decided to issue a warning as well as a statement. Carl emphasized that his inaction was drawn from lack of clarity of Huron’s policy change and not a deliberate attempt to break the policy. 

Pradyun Bajaj:

The elections committee also found that Pradyun Bajaj’s campaign had violated the elections policy s6.02 (2) (i) failure to comply with the spirit and purpose of the election. After receiving Huron’s message regarding the prohibition of poster placement on walls around campus Pradyun’s campaign did not remove their posters and even after the final reminder to candidates was given Pradyun still did not remove their posters promptly. This created an inequity between Pradyun and his competitor who complied with Huron’s request for posters to be removed from walls soon after Huron’s request. In response to this the elections committee has decided to issue a warning, issue a statement, prohibit Pradyun from posting any new elections posters, and prohibit Pradyun from campaigning on social media for the remainder of the campaign period effective immediately.

Sean Trotter

Chair, HUCSC Elections Committee

Chief Returning Officer of the HUCSC

22.03.2022

Advocacy win: Huron to become a Blue community

In October 2021, the HUCSC General Assembly (GA) recognized and committed to taking action against the ongoing global climate emergency. In this declaration, we recognized our responsibility to advocate for, and implement sustainable changes to our operations, services, and university community.

Today, we are delighted to announce that Huron has become a Blue Community — a community that's free of the sale, purchase, distribution, and use of plastic water bottles on campus. This move comes in response to student advocacy efforts led by the HUCSC, with a special thanks to sustainability commissioner Cogie Cogan for leading this project.  

On March 6, The HUCSC General Assembly unanimously voted to support Huron in this effort by removing all plastic water bottles from HUCSC-run events and spaces. The Beaver Dam and other HUCSC spaces will no longer sell, purchase, or distribute plastic water bottles in line with Huron's move to become a Blue Community. 

We are excited to see a positive response to student advocacy and engagement. This is a small, but important first step for our campus and community,

15.02.2022

HUCSC Elections Committee Statement on 2022 HUCSC Presidential Election Campaign Rule Violation by Candidate Matson Kitamisi

Prior to the announcement of the results of the 2022 HUCSC Presidential Election, the HUCSC Elections Committee met to adjudicate on a number of allegations of HUCSC Elections Policy violations against the campaigns of both Matson Kitamisi and Alexis Magder.

Several formal complaints had been lodged against Matson Kitamisi, alleging that the candidate had engaged in campaigning activities inside the Beaver Dam and New Student Activity Centre (SAC), in violation of Section 4.03 of the HUCSC Elections Policy, which prohibits candidates from using HUCSC resources during their campaign. Section 4.03 refers to the physical spaces owned and/or operated by the HUCSC, and includes both the Beaver Dam and the New SAC.

Based on eyewitness testimony and written statements, the HUCSC Elections Committee determined by a 2-1 majority decision that Matson Kitamisi campaigned in contravention to Section 4.03, and, under Section 6.02(2)(h) of the HUCSC Elections Policy, Matson Kitamisi was penalized for the unsanctioned use of HUCSC resources, an intermediate violation. As a penalty for this violation, the HUCSC Elections Committee voted unanimously to issue Matson Kitamisi a warning, in accordance with Section 6.04(1) of the HUCSC Elections Policy.

Further investigation necessitated a delay in the announcement of this decision. However, at this time, all other complaints against the campaigns of both Matson Kitamisi and Alexis Magder were found by the HUCSC Elections Committee to have been without merit, lacking evidence, and/or not in violation of the HUCSC Elections Policy. No further action will be taken by the HUCSC Election Committee with regard to the 2022 HUCSC Presidential Election. This decision, and the penalties that have been applied, do not affect the outcome of the 2022 HUCSC Presidential Election. Matson Kitamisi remains the President-elect of the HUCSC.

Students and Huron community members with questions are encouraged to contact Mason Brown, Chief Returning Officer of the HUCSC, by email at cro@myhuron.ca.

Mason Brown

Chair, HUCSC Elections Committee

Chief Returning Officer of the HUCSC

03.02.2021 Determination of Penalties, USC Representative Election

On the matter of pre-campaigning, the Committee voted unanimously in favor of disciplinary action. The Committee determined that Alexis obtaining followers before the Campaign Period constituted Pre-Campaigning (6.01 (1) (h)). The Committee voted unanimously to assign Alexis a lesser penalty of 5 demerit points for this violation after considering mitigating circumstances and her arguments. The Committee voted unanimously that each of these demerit points result in 1 vote deduction, for a total of 5 vote deductions.

On the matter of abuse of position or status, the Committee voted unanimously in favor of disciplinary action. The Committee determined that Alexis used her status as a previous HUCSC candidate to your advantage (6.01 (2) (c)). The Committee voted unanimously to assign Alexis a lesser penalty of 9 demerit points for this violation after considering mitigating circumstances and her arguments. The Committee voted unanimously that each of these demerit points result in 1 vote deduction, for a total of 9 vote deductions.

On the matter of campaigning without consent, the Committee voted unanimously in favor of disciplinary action. The followers who were following Alexis' account when she re-opened it for this campaign could not have consented to receive communications from her campaign, in violation of Section 6.01 (1) (f). The Committee voted unanimously to assign Alexis the minimum penalty of 3 demerit points for this violation after considering mitigating circumstances and her arguments. The Committee voted to consider this violation on a per-follower basis. Based on Alexis' own estimation of around 60 existing followers at the time she reused her account, the Committee voted to assign her 180 demerit points. The Committee voted that each of these demerit points would result in 1/10 of 1 vote deduction, for a total of 18 vote deductions.

On the matter of the use of the color red, the Committee voted unanimously in favor of issuing a warning and no further disciplinary action. Red should no longer be used as a primary color in Alexis' campaign posts.

On the matter of disqualification for receiving 18 or more demerit points, the Committee voted unanimously against disqualification after consideration of Alexis' character and the inadvertent nature of her actions.

In total, Alexis has received 194 demerit points and 32 vote deductions. These deductions will be applied to the number of votes she receives in the election.

25.10.2021

HUCSC Report on Access to Online Educational Materials

‍ ‍On October 24, 2021, the HUCSC General Assembly (GA) voted to take immediate action on two different, but related issues of concern to the Huron student body. First, the GA voted in favour of expanding advocacy efforts to ensure access to online educational materials for all students. Second, the GA voted against the de-registration of unvaccinated students, and asked for online alternatives for students unable to attend classes as a result of the vaccination mandate, until the end of the academic term. 

Given the HUCSC constitutional mission to “enhance the educational experience and quality of life for all students” and advocate “on behalf of students in all areas affecting the student experience”, we are accountable to Huron students and their elected representatives. Therefore, acting in accordance with the directives of the GA, this report provides an overview of students’ concerns around (1) restricted access to online materials and (2) the de-registration of unvaccinated students from their courses. Additionally, the report offers recommendations to address these concerns and urges the Huron faculty and administration to adopt institutional and classroom policies that prioritize and centre students’ needs.

You can read the full report HERE.

08.17.2021

HUCSC STANCE ON THE VACCINATION POLICY ANNOUNCED BY HURON AND WESTERN

‍ ‍The HUCSC extends its support to the administrations at Huron University and Western University in their recently-announced decision to require proof of vaccination against Covid-19 for all students, faculty, and staff returning to campus this fall.

Over the last several weeks, the HUCSC has been engaged in extensive consultations with the Huron student body about the safe return to campus through a series of individual meetings, focus groups, and anonymous methods of feedback collection with over 250 students. The results of our anonymous student survey indicated that 75.24% of respondents were in favour of a vaccination mandate to return to campus. After careful review and consideration of the collected data, the elected representatives of the HUCSC voted to adopt a stance in favour of the vaccination mandate presented.

We commend the administrations at Huron and Western for prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of our community, and offer our gratitude to the incredible student leaders and volunteers who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to advocate for a safer and more equitable learning environment for all students. We look forward to hearing more about the policy and regular testing alternatives.

- Huron University College Students’ Council, 2021-2022

For a more detailed breakdown of the survey sample & results and a summary of the qualitative feedback, please see the link HERE.

06.07.2021

HUCSC STATEMENT ON LONDON terrorist attack

The HUCSC is horrified by the Islamophobic hate crime committed against five members of the London community yesterday evening. We join the community in mourning the loss of the four individuals killed, and extend our thoughts and prayers to the child still in hospital. 

  Islamophobia, xenophobia, and hatred have no place in our community and must be disavowed unequivocally. We stand with the victims, their loved ones, and members of the community who have been impacted by this heinous act of domestic terrorism, and join them in the call for justice and accountability. 

  The HUCSC is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for our students. We have compiled a list of resources for students in need of support, and encourage you to reach out to our executive team with questions, concerns, or if you are in need of assistance. 

Matthew (president@myhuron.ca) 

Urvi (vpstudentaffairs@myhuron.ca) 

Andrew (vpfinance@myhuron.ca)

Dakshina (vpstudentevents@myhuron.ca) 

Kendra (vpcommunications@myhuron.ca) 

Resources: 

Huron Wellness Services

Western Health Services

Good2Talk 

Reach Out 24/7 

Naseeha Mental Health

NISA

03.23.2021

Standing in Solidarity with our Asian Student Community 

“Last week in Atlanta, eight victims, including six Asian women, were killed at gunpoint. The eight who were killed have now been identified as: Soon Chung Park, age 74, Hyun Jung Grant, age 51, Suncha Kim, age 69, Yong Ae Yue, age 63, Delaina Ashley Yaun, age 33, Paul Andre Michels, age 54, Xiaojie Tan, age 49, and Daoyou Feng, age 44. Over the last several weeks, different iterations of a sign outside of the local Ale House Bar have been assembled and removed, with each iteration reflecting xenophobic language. The HUCSC would like to express our condolences to those affected by this shooting, and in light of the ongoing discrimination faced by our Asian communities, we reaffirm our solidarity with our Asian student community. 

The Asian community faces unique forms of structural racism. The HUCSC commits to amplifying the voices of Asian communities and condemns all forms of Anti-Asian discrimination and violence.

We recognize these acts as part of a system of structural discrimination. The HUCSC values pluralism – the ethic of respecting diversity. Beyond merely recognizing and celebrating our differences, we believe in the importance of active engagement with diversity. Though we work to foster a safe, inclusive and supportive community for all of our students, we recognize the systemic and embedded nature of racial discrimination on our campus and in our communities.

The HUCSC will be reviewing our internal structure and investigating how we can better engage with the diversity of our student body. We will be providing recommendations that are specific to the discrimination faced by Asian communities and students to Huron’s Equity and Diversity Committee, and - in partnership with Huron - the HUCSC will also be co-hosting a Student Listening Circle on Racism next week on Wednesday, March 24th at 1:00pm EST.

We would like to amplify the voice of Hongyao Zhu, student and the Head Student Engagement Officer at Huron, who shared the following statement with the HUCSC:

‘Racism towards Asians is real. Asian Hate is real. Being part of the Asian community, being an Asian, being a racialized person, being a person of minority, after seeing those incidents and hate against Asians, I feel vulnerable, I am devastated, and I feel helpless. Any one of us could be like those eight victims in Atlanta, it could be today, it could be tomorrow, or it may also be the day after tomorrow, as long as racism persists. Let us work together to combat Anti-Asian racism and stop Asian Hate.’

You can hear more from Hongyao Zhu here.

We want to take a moment to highlight the necessity of active anti-racist work. Students can help to combat anti-Asian racism by raising awareness and sharing content related to anti-Asian racism, amplifying Asian voices, and taking action by: supporting Asian-owned businesses, donating to organizations combating xenophobia, and attending protests or demonstrations where it is safe to do so. We encourage our student community to learn about histories of Anti-Asian racism in Canada and the pervasive model minority myth that harms Asian communities. We also would like to highlight that while media attention often focuses on incidents of discrimination across the border, Canada has a long history of xenophobia and racism perpetrated against Asian communities. Both the HUCSC and Huron - as a colonial institution with its own history of discrimination - are responsible for addressing and actively working to combat structural racism. 

If you are seeking additional anti-racism resources, support, or would like to have a conversation about how HUCSC and Huron can better engage in these efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out to president@myhuron.ca or visithttps://www.myhuron.ca/my-wellness to learn more about supports available to you. You can also reach out to Sarah Read, Director of Huron’s Community Safety Office, at sread9@huron.uwo.ca, and you can utilize Western University’s anonymous racism reporting toolhere.

Please feel free to reach out any time.”

- Ziyana Kotadia, HUCSC President 2020-2021

03.09.2021

Cro statement on usc representative election

The HUCSC uses the instant runoff electoral system to determine who is elected to single-winner constituencies. In this system, voters rank all candidates in order of preference. Ballots are initially counted for each voter's first choice. Once the votes have been tallied, if no candidate has obtained in excess of 50 percent of the total ballots cast for any candidate, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and a new round occurs. The voters who selected the eliminated candidate as their first choice have their votes added to their second choice. This continues until a candidate has obtained in excess of 50 percent of the ballots that are cast for any candidate. 

In the election for the USC Representative, after the first two rounds of voting, candidates Angela Liu and Kaden Wisniowski were eliminated. In the final round, after all applicable vote deductions were applied, neither of the remaining candidates met the requisite threshold of more than 50 percent of the total votes cast for any candidate. As a result, the election has been declared a tie between candidates Lexi Magder and Syeda Faiza Zaki. 

In accordance with HUCSC elections procedures following ties, effective tomorrow, Wednesday, March 10, at 9:00 am EST, candidates will engage in 2 further days of campaigning until Friday, March 12 at 8:59 am EST. Following the two days of campaigning, there will be one extra day of voting, from Friday, March 12 at 9:00 am EST until Saturday, March 13 at 9:00 am EST. The winner of this tie-breaking election will assume the seat of USC Representative on the HUCSC. 

Candidates are permitted to publish new campaign materials during the new campaign period, as long as they adhere to the rules and regulations of the HUCSC Elections Policy. Punitive measures and vote deductions from the original campaign period have been applied to the results of this election, and will not apply to the tie-breaking election. Any violation of campaign rules during the new campaign period may face penalties that would be applied to the results of the tie-breaking election. 

Any questions should be directed to HUCSC CRO Mason Brown by email at cro@myhuron.ca.

Mason Brown, Chief Returning Officer, HUCSC

03.04.2021

Statement regarding delay of the usc representative results

Due to an error with the SimplyVoting ballot, there will be a delay in the announcement of the results for the USC Representative position. This error only affects the results of the USC Representative constituency. The results from this constituency will not be released, and, pending a vote of the Elections Committee, will be declared null and void. A new balloting period will be scheduled to take place as soon as possible. 

USC Representative Candidates are not permitted to publish new campaign materials and should proceed as though the balloting period is ongoing. Candidates may post statements to explain the situation to their supporters and engage in ‘get out the vote’ initiatives upon the release of the new balloting period. Any factual inaccuracies in candidate statements may be subject to penalization. 

Any questions should be directed to HUCSC CRO Mason Brown by email at cro@myhuron.ca. 

- Mason Brown, Chief Returning Officer, HUCSC

03.03.2021

Affiliate Appeals Board Decision Surrounding 2021 USC Representative Election HERE

03.02.2021

HUCSC Elections Committee Decision Surrounding Penalties in 2021 USC Representative Election READ HERE

20.06.01 Anti-Discrimination Statement

“ Recent acts of violence, particularly in Canada and the United States, have highlighted the pervasive nature of structural racism and the injustice that it perpetuates. The HUCSC recognizes that violence against black communities and racialized groups do not occur as isolated incidents or as a result of a broken system. Rather, this violence plays out because these systems are designed to discriminate against particular social and ethnic groups.

We strive to create an inclusive environment for our students, but recognize that many members of our community are affected by racism. The HUCSC stands in solidarity with the Black community and condemns these acts of racism. We want to highlight the efforts by the UWO Black Students' Association and other student groups who are working to create a more equitable campus.

We encourage our community of student leaders to actively engage in anti-racist work by interrogating their own privilege and mobilizing to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. This is crucial; words without action do not make change. We can combat performative allyship with follow-through.

This statement is intended to reaffirm our commitment to decolonizing our campus and addressing all forms of discrimination. We recognize that now is the time to take action to dismantle this system of oppression. Feelings of frustration, anger, and confusion are valid and well-founded. The HUCSC shares in these feelings and encourages students who would like additional support to consult wellness and mental health resources, which are linked below.

If you are looking for additional anti-racism resources or would like to have a conversation about how HUCSC and Huron can better engage in these efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out to president@myhuron.ca. We want to hear from you! ”

‍ ‍ - HUCSC President, Ziyana Kotadia