The MUN Students for Palestine group has uploaded a video to Instagram accusing Memorial University Board of Regents Chair Glenn Barnes of showing a “disgusting display of unprofessionalism.”
On June 20th, 2024, the group started a click-to-email campaign directed at the Board of Regents, calling for divestment from weapons manufacturers and companies tied to the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The group received replies from some members of the Board of Regents that were positive and encouraging, thanking them for bringing this issue to their attention. However, the group said the response from the Chair of the Board of Regents, Glenn Barnes, was “concerning and unprofessional.”
They claim that Barnes targeted individuals whose names he recognized by forwarding their emails to third parties, such as their parents. In at least one instance, a parent of an adult community member notified Barnes that his actions were inappropriate, and if he had concerns, he could address them to the individual who’d initially sent him the email. Barnes sent follow-up emails that the group describes as “patronizing and unprofessional.” He said, “I’m telling parents that I know what their kids are doing, that their viewpoint is not the only one, but this group think they are correct and that MUN ought to be in lock-step with them. They need to grow up.”
The group stated, “We feel that this is unprofessional. This message also shows a lack of understanding of these issues. As has been repeatedly communicated, students are not only representing their opinions; we are advocating for the university to listen to experts in their own institution and the international community, such as the United Nations.”
Furthermore, they stated, “We feel that if Mr. Barnes or anyone else on the Board of Regents is unable to uphold the code of conduct, including confidentiality, or control their emotions, and act professionally when held to account, then they should not be on the Board.”
The group encourages those who agree to email the Board Secretary at tinas@mun.ca and ask that she forward the message to the Board of Regents.
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.
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