An online petition is calling for the resignation of Baraa Jandali, administrative co-ordinator at the Race, Ethnicity, Cultural Hall (REC Hall).
The petition refers to an incident that occurred earlier this year in February, when Jandali allegedly made an anti-Black and misogynoir comment towards Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, the programming co-ordinator at the Womyn’s Centre.
A representative from REC Hall declined to comment on the allegations at this time, as did Owusu-Akyeeah, because of the ongoing investigation.
“Based on the investigation, proper procedure will follow according to our collective agreement,” said Fahd Alhattab, president of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA).
“I think it’s important that we as employers take it very very seriously and proceed with as much detail as possible,” Alhattab said.
According to Alhattab, all staff at CUSA businesses and service centres underwent safe space training at the beginning of the year, which he said effectively provides perspective and sets up expectations for staff.
One of the comments on the petition made reference to an alleged divide between Arab and Black students at REC Hall, which Alhattab denied.
“I think there is very much a lot of speculation being made about what happens in REC Hall,” he said. “However, I don’t think it’s appropriate to portray or paint REC Hall itself [as] that’s racist or divisive.”
The Womyn’s Centre and REC Hall worked together to put on the various programs and events offered as a part of Black History Month this year.
Since being posted on March 24, the petition has received 259 signatures as of publication.
