Despite weeks of planning and advertising its involvement and support, Carleton University has withdrawn from Capital Pride.
While Carleton has yet to publish an official public statement on the matter, the university confirmed its decision to withdraw in an email statement to the Charlatan on August 21.
“While there has been much great energy and planning towards our involvement in Capital Pride, sadly Carleton University will be withdrawing its official participation in this year’s Pride Parade,” the statement read.
Carleton joins a growing list of organizations who have chosen to withdraw from Capital Pride, including the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Liberal Party of Canada.
These withdrawals have occurred within the weeks following Capital Pride’s August 6 statement declaring their solidarity with Palestine and expressing their concern about rising levels of antisemitism and Islamophobia in Canada.
“Capital Pride’s position and statement on the conflict between Israel and Hamas has hurt many members of our community and they do not feel safe or welcome to attend or participate in official events,” Carleton’s email to the Charlatan continued.
“The decision to not participate this year was not taken lightly and it should not be interpreted as taking a stance or position on a global issue … This is about supporting inclusivity and safety for our community.”
Student groups and campus organizations expressed their disappointment with the university’s decision and lack of public explanation.
Members from the Transgender Media Lab at Carleton University said they are “ashamed” their home institution has withdrawn.
“Queer resistance movements have always been aligned with resisting oppression in all forms,” reads their Instagram statement.
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME), Independent Jewish Voices Ottawa, Labour 4 Palestine Ottawa and Queers 4 Palestine Ottawa have each expressed their ongoing support for Capital Pride.
“Trying to frame Capital Pride as discriminatory or exclusive because it stands for human rights or because it supports the boycott of Israel is absurd,” a CJPME Instagram post reads.
Capital Pride events began August 17 and are set to end with the annual pride parade along Bank Street on August 25.
Featured image by Natasha Baldin/The Charlatan.
