To members of the UBC community regarding the IFC endorsements,
I would like to personally apologize for the phrasing of questions at an all-presidents meeting last Tuesday, in which myself and our executives held a Q&A with candidates for this year’s AMS elections. During the meeting, the candidate for VP Academic and Senate was asked questions, by myself, on issues pertaining to sexual violence response on campus. The questions came from a place of wanting to engage in a productive dialogue, but in the process, my approach contributed to an unhealthy direction for the conversation.
The questions I asked were insensitive as well as my handling of the situation subsequently. In addition to my distasteful approach at the meeting, my external statements lacked accountability and were insensitive. All of us, especially leaders like myself, must do more to support survivors of sexual assault and to always use a survivor-centric approach within our communities. I sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been affected by my approach as these were not my intentions. My questions were not a representation of fraternal organizations or the IFC. As the leader of a unique environment like the fraternities, I should have done better to communicate in a productive way.
I have always respected the candidate, Max Holmes’, leadership and will continue to do so. My questions and the ways in which they were phrased were inappropriate during the meeting and I acknowledge the negative impact this had on the candidate and members of our community. No one should ever feel how they felt — their experience is valid, and their advocacy on this issue is admirable. By no means were the questions I asked a representation of our community or of my values. Our words and actions can have powerful impacts and we must be held accountable for them. This has been a significant and difficult learning experience for myself and I will seek education and resources to learn of better ways to discuss the topic of sexual assault on campus and in the community.
Once again, to those who I have caused distress, I sincerely apologize as these were not my intentions. My external dialogue was misrepresentative of the internal values I hold. I hope that we can all engage in a healthy conversation moving forward, on the steps we as a community can be taking to address the culture of sexual violence response on campus and to always using a survivor-centric approach within our communities. I feel that the IFC is in need of new leadership and I have resigned from my position as president — I must hold myself accountable for my decisions.
The Greek community has offered me so many positive experiences and I will always be a supporter of the many opportunities it provides for students. I hope that we continue to discuss how we can all improve our approaches to discussing sexual consent on campus and in our communities.
I have full confidence that the incoming leadership for the IFC will positively contribute to this dialogue and I thank the Greek community for the opportunity to have lead such an important group of people.
Sincerely,
Jeriah