Since October of this year (2015), the Men's Issues Awareness Society at Ryerson has been trying to gain official status at the university. Initially, this request was rejected by the RSU committee, and we are in the process of appealing. Their concerns are that we might become a haven for misogyny and violence against women. Anyone who has actually come to our meetings would know this is a completely fabricated assumption, based on preconceived biases about men's issues groups. Nearly 50% of our members are men and women, of a wide range of races, cultures, sexualities, and genders. Our first meeting alone looked was so diverse it could have been a Michael Jackson video.  Since then, other lies have been thrown in the mix, that we're anti-lgbt, anti-racial minorities, and anti-victims.

Let me clear up some of those claims right now by showing the 5 other events we plan to have once a month until April, each of which cover a different topic:

1. Mental health, homelessness and suicide

2. Masculinity, gender roles, and the LGBT

3. The intersections of race, culture and masculinity 

4. Men, law and the court system

5. Freedom of expression, men's issues, and the media

As you can see, our group is the furthest thing from the claims made about us. While other groups have attempted to bully us and the administration into rejecting our application, our group remains strong and dedicated to discussing the issues facing men and boys in our society. For these reasons, we ask you, the larger community, to send a clear message to the administration that men's issues matter and that we will not be silenced. 

By signing this petition you are supporting the formation a Men's Issues Awareness Society at Ryerson. You are supporting equality, equity, and open and safe dialogue. 

Thank you for your time,

Kevin Arriola

President of MIAS RU