In order to contextualize the administration’s zeal for implementing a new law of the land for Queen’s, it is necessary to analyze just who might be behind this move. Well, one particularly dubious character jumps straight to mind—Karen Hitchcock. You’ll remember that ‘ole K-dog came to us from that sunny land that justice forgot hot on the heels of a shady business deal gone wrong in Albany. Anyways, she cut and run in order to avoid getting busted, which might give you some insight into her opinion of the concepts fair, and justice. We also know that ‘ole Hitch don’t take no shit when it comes to the freedom of dissent. When her office was occupied she called in the cops who punched out one protester and threw another down a flight of stairs—so much for freedom. The reason that these poor kids (who were protesting the use of sweatshop labor in the making of Albany’s clothing) got kicked around and arrested for protesting is because in Albany they have their own little Patriot Act— called the Community Rights and Responsibilities of SUNY Albany. Check out section 13, from which Rule 9 of the current draft was (badly) ripped off:
13. Obstruction or Disruption
Obstructing or disrupting University activities, including but not limited to, teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other authorized activities including public service functions. It can include participation in campus demonstrations which disrupt the normal operations of the University and infringes on the rights of other members of the university community by leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus.
This sounds just like Rule 9 of the Queen’s draft, but is even more explicit about targeting political dissent. We know what this is about and we will fight back! Isn’t it odd that after many decades of a code of conduct which references the Canadian justice system as the decider of guilt or innocence, we should need a new code whose resemblance to that of Albany’s is unquestionable? Kingston is not Albany and this is not the U.S.—No Patriot Act for Queen’s!!
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