Persons Day rally this Sunday
This Sunday, the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS), along with other campus groups, will mark the 80th anniversary of the Persons Case.
On Oct. 18, 1929, five women won a landmark Supreme Court ruling that declared some women “persons”, and therefore eligible for appointment to the Senate under Canadian law. Women of colour weren’t included in the case.
It was only until 1979, under the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women that all women in Canada were given equal opportunities in the political arena, including the right to vote and the right to run for an election.
There will be a rally in City Park at 3 p.m., SGPS Equity Co-ordinator Lara Szabo Greisman said.
“This is one where we get to celebrate victories,” she said, adding that events tied to women’s rights usually focus on the issues women continue to face.
Speakers at the rally include Pamela Cross, a lawyer and women’s rights activist.
Matthew Ascah, Community Service Learning co-ordinator, will talk about his involvement with the Picture An End to Violence campaign, which highlights men’s role in the movement to end violence against women.
Greisman said she thinks it’s essential to involve males in the event.
“It’s a pleasure to recognize his work and the way his contributions challenge perceptions of feminism,” she said.
Following the rally, there will be a reception in Wallace Hall with live music until 8 p.m.
There will be an art exhibition with banners displaying feminist poetry and artwork, Greisman said.
“It will be a testament to women’s experiences and also their contributions,” she said. “I’m a big fan of accessible poetry, so it’s going to be readable, honest and raw.”
—Safia Dhanji
Attempted abduction on campus
At approximately 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon, two men in a grey van attempted to abduct a female student on University Ave. near Earl St. The female student screamed loudly when the grey van approached her and she was able to escape. The vehicle was described as being an older model van with no back windows.
Kingston Police investigated the incident last night and concluded there’s no further threat to the community. They are not looking for the suspects.
—Jamie Lincoln
Queen’s wins TD bank contest
Queen’s University will host a free concert for students on Nov. 13 featuring Girl Talk, K-Os and The Stills.
TD Canada Trust’s “Pump it up” contest was offered to all post-secondary students on Facebook, with the tagline “the loudest students win.” Each student that clicked the “Cheer for Girl Talk” link on Facebook added to Queen’s cheer meter. The University of Victoria and St. Francis Xavier University are also winners of the regional competition.
—Jamie Lincoln
Queen’s named top employer
Queen’s is one of the top employers in the country, according to Mediacorp Canada.
This year, the University was recognized in the Top 100 Employers in Canada list, published annually.
McGill University and Simon Fraser University were also on the list.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Vice-Principal (Human Resources) Rod Morrison said. “It’s a validation that all the policies and practices in place rank among what the top employers offer across the country.”
Queen’s made the list for its family-friendly benefits and flexible work options, he said, adding that the University offers employees competitive daycare subsidies and the option of a 35-hour work week with full pay.
To be considered, an employer must fill out an application package and submit it to Mediacorp.
“We’ve never made the list in the past because we’ve never tried,” Morrison said, adding that he thinks the list rounds out the total picture of Queen’s as the place to be for students and employees.
—Jamie Lincoln
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