Dear Deputy Head Salkeld & School Leadership,

We write to Lower Canada College (LCC) today with a heavy heart, compelled to share our deep concerns regarding the response the Jewish community has received in the wake of a recent incident involving a Pre-U student. Our aim is to address key aspects of the event, and the school’s response to them.

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that the Jewish community's primary aspiration is peace. Our hearts grieve for all innocent lives affected by the ongoing turmoil, and we stand in solidarity with families who have lost loved ones.

With a global Jewish population of approximately 16 million (0.2% of the global population), it becomes exceedingly vital for us to speak out and stand up for our nation. For millennia, Jewish people have had to assert our right to exist. As such, we consider it our responsibility to advocate for our Jewish family and respectfully request that LCC issue a formal apology and a revised statement.

 

1.    "One of our Pre-U students was involved in an altercation off-campus that was caught on video and shared on social media against their expressed wishes."

When someone displays antisemitic behavior, they forfeit their right to privacy. Sharing such videos serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the hardships we endure. The phrase "Never Forget" is a testament to ensuring that these events are remembered and learned from. Information sharing is crucial for advancing the cause of peace and limiting future incidents. Neglecting these events and treating them as an afterthought only undermines our commitment to "Never Again."

 

2.    "We have met with the student and their family and wish to provide context."

We contend that the video does not require context. On October 7th, we endured the most significant tragedy since the Holocaust. From this, there have been countless antisemitic protests and social media advocacy that claimed they needed "context" to empathize with innocent Israelis who were tortured, murdered, and kidnapped. Such justifications perpetuate hate and enable people to rationalize antisemitic acts.

 

3.    "They politely apologized and admitted that they had erred."

While we recognize that ignorance can fuel hatred, the statement's tone fails to adequately address the gravity of the incident. It is only fair to question how this student would have reacted had the incident not been captured on video, raising concerns about whether the apology is merely an image-saving gesture.

 

4.    "We wish to share the school’s perspective on this incident, cyberbullying, and harassment…"

The concluding remarks of the statement appear to lean more towards defending the student's antisemitic actions rather than unequivocally condemning them. Excuses, especially when issued by a highly esteemed institution, diminish the severity of the incident. The statement should have more appropriately shown strong support for the Jewish community, especially given their presence within the student body, alumni, and donor base.

 

5.    "They recognize their actions were not in alignment with the core value of respect that our community prioritizes."

The tone and phrasing in the statement seem to engage in the "yes, but" rationalizations often employed by antisemitic groups during times of conflict. We want to emphasize that antisemitic actions should never require "context." There should be no room for excuses that downplay the seriousness of such incidents. Accountability is imperative in demonstrating commitment to the school's core values. Until then, we do not feel supported by an institution we have grown up in, alongside countless Jewish peers and teachers. I believe LCC has minimized the gravity of the situation and hope that a revised statement will be issued and reaffirm its commitment to the school’s core values.

We sincerely hope that, after sharing our heartfelt concerns, a different course of action will be considered. We aspire to continue embracing our status as proud LCC students and Alumni, but we will hesitate to do so if we do not perceive a resolute stance against all forms of antisemitism.

Yours truly,

LCC Students, Alumni & Our Allies