Principal Patrick Deane releases statement about Iran and Sharif University
In an email to the Queen’s community on Oct. 4, Principal Patrick Deane released a statement on the unfolding situation in Iran in response to the Mahsa Amini protests.
“The latest attacks by Iranian police on students protesting at Tehran’s Sharif University have brought this matter even closer to home,” Deane said in the statement.
Deane reaffirmed the protesters using their voice to criticise sexism, inequity, violence, and abuse. Deane spoke about the role of universities and the creation of a safe space on campus in his statement.
“The spectacle of that space threatened, even terminated by brute force and intimidation demands a strong and unequivocal response from Queen’s and other universities worldwide,” he said.
Deane said the community’s initial priority should be the care of Iranian people, particularly those at Sharif University.
“We must condemn in the strongest any government that threatens to extinguish what is at the core of any university, free thought. And we must stand up for equity, justice, and an end to intolerance,” Deane said.
Deane asked for the community to lend their to Iranian people. He mentioned s exist for individuals who may be affected.
—Asbah Ahmad, Senior News Editor
Principal Deane expresses interest in reappointment
Queen’s community will be able to weigh their views on the present and future of the university—as Principal and Vice-Chancellor Deane completes his five-year term.
Principal Deane wishes to be considered for reappointment in June 2024, according to a press release from the Queen’s Gazette. He was originally appointed as Queen’s 21st Principal on July 1, 2019.
Prior to his position at Queen’s, Principal Deane spent nine years as President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University, and prior to that was Academic Vice-Principal at Queen’s for five years.
A t Board and Senate Committee will review the principalship, led by Chancellor Murray Sinclair and in accordance with the Principalship Review and Search Policy.
The Chancellor, University Secretary, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion), and Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation), are all ex officio of the committee, meaning they are non-voting unless the decision results in a tie.
Voting of the Committee include the trustees—Chair of the Board, the Rector, and four other Trustees—and the Senators.
Queen’s community will input recommendations through confidential submission. After the Board and Senate committee meets, the Board of Trustees will receive final recommendations in March.
—Aimée Look, Assistant News Editor
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