We, the members of the Environmental and Physical Science Students' Association (EPSA), are launching a petition to oppose the decision by the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC) to not renew Dr. Béatrice Lego’s contract. Dr. Lego is crucial to our community's well-being, especially through her work with the Campus Farm. This real-life learning tool, utilized by over 65 courses across various disciplines, thrives under her coordination. Dr. Lego has been an integral part of the farm since its inception in 2018, educating both students and faculty about agriculture, farming and research that is conducted there.

Regrettably, the Vice Principal Dean attempted to obscure this issue by sending selective emails in late September and early October, only to specific student departments, about voting for a new faculty member at the farm. This process left many of us feeling discouraged as we couldn’t vote for Dr. Lego, given her status as contract-staff. 

Dr. Lego along with Isaac Crosby’s impact on the Indigenous Farm is immeasurable. They have played a key role in coordinating experiential learning, and community engagement, while also ensuring the farm's success. Numerous crops grown at both farms are donated to the student union food banks or taken home by those who work or volunteer there. At this point in time no one knows what will be happening to both the farm and the indigenous farm, who will be taking care of it this coming year, and whether both Béatrice Lego and Isaac Crosby’s contract will be renewed this year.

Without Dr. Lego and Isaac Crosby’s guidance and dedication, these initiatives at both farms and the benefits they bring to our community would be significantly diminished if not completely gone. Their continued involvement is essential for the farm’s prosperity and its contributions to our community. 

For the benefit of our entire community at UTSC, we strongly advocate for the renewal of Dr. Lego's contract. Please join us in supporting this cause. Your voice matters.