Image Credit: UBC Okanagan
March 14, 2025 - 10:39 AM
The University of British Columbia Okanagan’s student union initially denied approval for a Conservative club, but after some significant backlash the club has now been approved.
The student who wanted to start the Okanagan Conservative Club, Christian van Mook Smith, applied to get the club ratified as a student association, but the student union's board of directors denied the application.
Conservative politicians spoke out and condemned the student union’s board of directors and it held an emergency meeting last night, March 13, to reconsider the initial decision.
The student union board announced its approval on social media after the meeting.
“After careful consideration the board has ratified the club, ensuring that the decision was made in alignment with our values of equity, inclusion, and respect for all students. We understand the importance of fostering a diverse range of student groups that contribute to a vibrant campus community,” the student union board said in written statement published on social media.
READ MORE: Politicians speak out after UBCO Conservative club denied official status
Initially the board said it had concerns about Conservative politics and how those views could make “the Black and LGBTQ+ communities could make students from these groups feel excluded or unwelcome.”
BC Conservative leader John Rustad along with Conservative MPs Dan Albas and Tracy Gray were among those who spoke out against the club’s initial denial.
Gray pointed out in her criticism that the school has other political clubs like the Young Liberals of Canada Association and that the university ought to foster open debate.
The student union board said it had a responsibility to make sure students can speak their mind while ensuring everyone feels safe.
“We will continue to work diligently to balance freedom of expression with our responsibility to foster a safe and welcoming space for all students,” the student union board said in its statement.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the student body as we navigate this matter with the utmost care and diligence. Further updates will be provided as necessary.”
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