Security secured

By Barbara Black

The university administration has announced it is taking measures to permit controversial speakers to appear on campus without the kind of violence that erupted Sept. 6, 2002, over a scheduled speech by an Israeli politician.

The news release, issued Dec. 17, says that after a comprehensive review of university facilities and security requirements, and with the counsel of outside security experts, the university has identified several unnamed venues on the SGW and Loyola campuses to accommodate such speakers.

“Structural changes and related security measures will take place in the coming weeks to permit invited high-profile guests to speak this academic year.

“Concordia reserves the right to designate the appropriate venue and may decide to hold certain university events at an off-campus venue.”

The Risk Management Committee is headed by Michael Di Grappa, Vice-President, Services. It will review and approve requests for access to university space, and when appropriate, make recommendations to the President’s Cabinet.

Diverse views

President Frederick Lowy said in the release, “Concordia University is committed to providing opportunities for diverse points of view to be heard by our students and the community at large.

“However, this has to be balanced with the obligation to ensure the safety and security of the members of the Concordia community, our neighbors and our guests and to minimize disruption to the academic mission of our university.

“Concordia University intends to pursue all the necessary adjustments required to promoting the free expression of opinions and ideas in an atmosphere of civility and tolerance.”