Following my protest against former President Vianne Timmons on December 2, 2021, Memorial University engaged the services of St. John’s lawyer, Kimberley Horwood, to conduct an investigation, incurring a cost of $9,113.75.
During her inquiry, Horwood interviewed a witness and university employee who had never encountered a protest before and expressed being “shocked” and “unnerved” by the experience. Horwood wrote in her report that the witness felt “it was neither the time, nor the place, for Barter’s particular protest.” Horwood stated that she was most guided by the testimony of this witness in determining if I violated Section 5(e)(4) of the Memorial University Student Code of Conduct.
Horwood stated, “The degree of discomfort she [the witness] felt while the protest was underway is an indication that Barter substantially interfered with the purpose of the event. This constitutes a disruption contrary to the Student Code of Conduct.”
Regarding the student protest at a May 30, 2024, Convocation ceremony, some of the students graduating, their parents, and others in attendance appeared visibly unsettled, as evident from their facial expressions.
Lorna Yard stated, “Convocation is a day for graduates and their families to celebrate years of hard work and sacrifice. The day belongs to them. There is a time and place to protest, and this wasn’t it. As family members in the audience, we were disgusted with MUNSU’s stunt at Convocation today.”
Kris stated, “…. As a Jewish student who was Convocating, I was mortified when MUNSU did this…. On what was supposed to be a celebration, I was scared and intimidated.”
Based on the analysis applied to determine if I violated the Student Code of Conduct, it appears that the actions of the student on May 30 also violated the Student Code of Conduct.
However, Memorial did not activate the Student Code of Conduct for the May 30 incident signalling their unwillingness to apply the Student Code equally.
Matt Barter is a graduate of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland, holding a degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, taking walks in nature, and volunteering in the community.
Leave a Reply