MONTREAL (CUP) — Following in the footsteps of other universities, Concordia University will announce a position on the contentious Bill 60 proposed by the Parti Québécois early next week.
A slew of post-secondary voiced their opposition to the provincial government’s proposed charter of secularism in the last two weeks including Francophone universities — a first since the PQ announced the proposal in September.
This includes criticisms of Bill 60 from senior administration from both Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal, as well as Université de Sherbrooke that announced its opposition to the PQ’s legislation.
Steve Santerre, a student at Concordia University, believes it is imperative for his university to make an official statement.
“Concordia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse educational institutions in the province,” said Santerre. “This issue is one that concerns us all.”
Santerre added that while there may be students and faculty who support the charter that it was important for Concordia students to be able to voice their concerns.
The PQ is accepting comments to be considered before the legislature in the National Assembly with a looming deadline of December 20 for public bodies, civil servants and citizens to submit their comments, questions and concerns.
Concordia is the only English-speaking university to remain silent with both McGill University and Bishop’s University voicing disapproval since September and October respectively. With over 40,000 students, Concordia is also the largest English-speaking university in Quebec.
“A joint committee made up of members of the Board of Governors executive and Senate steering are meeting today to draft our position,” wrote Concordia spokesperson Chris Mota in an email. “We should have an announcement next week.”
Concordia Student Union President Melissa Kate Wheeler said that she cannot discuss the statement that is likely to be released on Monday or Tuesday of next week but echoed Santerre’s sentiments.
“Anything we say is worth paying attention to,” said Wheeler. “Concordia is an important university in Quebec, it’s the most diverse largest English speaking university we have.”
The CSU will also submit a position paper to the provincial government early next week after council adopted a resolution against the proposal.
Bill 60 aims to promote secularism in the public sector by prohibiting civil servants from wearing “ostentatious” religious symbols — such as kippas, hijabs and turbans — while working or receiving a public service. It also seeks to amend the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms to outline reasonable accommodations on religious grounds.
With a minority, the PQ will need support from its opposition in the National Assembly to officially pass the contentious charter into law. This week, the Coalition Avenir Québec’s leader François Legault announced that he would support a revised Bill 60 where only authority figures — such as police authors, judges and teachers — would have to remove obvious religious garb while working.
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