500 supporters! 17 unsigned!

Hello Everyone, I am writing to say that with signatories on the website, we're at 500 signatures. That is a milestone! I never thought we'd get the response we have had, and I thank you. I talked to Dave Bidini, and he promised to think about unsigning, and he did, posting a moving statement separately from UBC Accountable. There are now 17 signatories who have removed their names from the UBC Accountable letter. What stops others from doing the same? If you know or can approach any of those who signed, please encourage them to do this. It is possible to support an open process for UBC and unsign that letter, which silences complainants and makes others affected by sexual violence feel marginalized. We can do better. Let them know! Meanwhile, I am gathering resources on the Counter Letter website (link below) so that anyone who wishes can read up on what has been happening. Unlike the UBC Accountable site, I publish opposing views, because I think that it's fair to show people the other side. I continue to be saddened by writers I respect staying with UBC Accountable when articles out there show that there are many problems with the way the letter was written, and with its aims. Margaret Atwood said in an article for the Globe and Mail that “I often find myself feeling I have to throw myself in front of the train because I don’t have a job. And what can people do to me? I’m going to be dead soon anyway, so who cares? I have my reputation. … It gives you a kind of zany freedom.” I would like to think that we are that train. Margaret Atwood could have ridden that train, and she did not choose to do so. She chose, and chooses, to make herself somehow look like a victim. That, to me, is unnecessary and regrettable, particularly because of the stature and power she has. Other writers who signed could ride the train instead of characterizing us, as Atwood has done, as bullies, or Stalinists, or the Red Army. Many of us are just trying to talk to the UBC Accountable people, saying that their concern with process can be honoured. But they have to honour and protect female complainants too. Even with their statements, their letter does not do this. And so I still say they should unsign. There has also been some bullying, yes, but it is from representatives of UBC Accountable on social media towards those who want to talk with them. UBC Accountable should acknowledge this, instead of their representatives playing the victim. I also want to say that Joseph Boyden's statements about what he sees as the need for Indigenous women to focus their interests on the Murdered and Missing Women actions, actions that these Indigenous activists are already undertaking, was regrettable. I would ask him that he address the concerns of these activists. I support what they are saying to him. What he said didn't help his cause. None of this is good. You know what is good? All of you. You chose to sign this letter, and to stand with those who want to the women in the case, and all women who are affected by sexual violence, that we are with them. I have received letters from some of these women, and they do know there is support for them. Thank you for that. Thank you for signing and for your continued support. It means so much to so many people, and me too. Regards, Julie Rak