Sid Ryan MUST Resign for the Good of CUPE and its Members

We the undersigned are disgusted with the hateful and unbalanced proposal brought forward by Sid Ryan. We are deeply concerned that a union who represents a diverse racial, cultural and ethnic array of workers would suggest such a vehemently discriminatory proposal.

It is inappropriate and perverse for CUPE to take measures akin to those used in pre-war Germany, that is, to ban a racially/nationally identified group from working in our Universities unless they renounce their Government. This proposed measure reeks of racism and bias. Canadian universities are home to many different political, social and religious perspectives. They are kindly regarded as a home for diversity and cultural sharing in the promotion of understanding amongst all of its staff and students alike. It is very un-Canadian to promote such blatant censorship. Our universities must continue to support exchange programs with all academics.

Where were Sid Ryans calls for boycott against Hamas when in 2002 a Hamas suicide bomber blew up the cafeteria at the Hebrew University killing 6 students?

Furthermore we do not believe that Sid Ryan is suitable to serve as CUPE Ontario President. He has chosen to place his personal opinions and hateful positions as those of CUPE. It is not the role of CUPE to involve itself in complex International matters. We believe that his words and actions on this matter are self serving. At a time when thousands of students are in danger of losing their year of University, suffering financial as well academic setbacks, Sid Ryan should have been working around the clock towards a resolution of the ongoing strike at York University. Instead he has chosen to meddle in affairs that are not the purview of CUPE, spending his time attending and addressing any anti Israel rally that will have him. He has chosen to identify himself in support of a known terrorist group. By his personal actions he has tainted the reputation CUPE and its members.

Although Sid Ryan may not agree with the operation which was pursued in Gaza, he has no right to pursue his own political agenda upon the Canadian university system. Israeli academics are leaders in fields such as medical sciences, technology and engineering. Canada has much to gain from further collaboration with Israel. The banning of a particular group based on their citizenship is both disgraceful and appalling. Attempting to censor and silence the dialogue is never the answer. Only an open exchange of ideas from all academics will hopefully lead to a true understanding and ultimately a resolution.

Sid Ryan, as President of CUPE Ontario, has the responsibility of representing all members of the union; and we must join others in condemning his voice against Israel and its citizens. There is no room for bigotry, anti-Semitism and hate on our Ontario campuses; and so we must call for his resignation, as Mr. Ryan has failed to represent CUPE.