LONDON, Ontario, April 30, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – News that notorious Canadian abortion activist Henry Morgentaler is to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario has prompted one group to create a website – UWOProtest.com– with an on line petition to protest the outrage.
In the face of a “firestorm of protest,” the university said it still plans to bestow the honour June 16. Despite university vice president and spokesman Ted Garrard’s claim that the decision of the honorary degrees committee “is final,” uwoprotest.com points out that “Western’s senate has no policy against revisiting and reversing decisions. It can be reversed.”
Uwoprotest.com is encouraging all concerned Canadians to add their voices to the growing list of people who are disgusted with the university’s choice for the honorarium. “Public voices across Canada are rising in what is becoming a nightmare for the university’s national reputation,” the web site emphasized. “A steady stream of letters to the editor and commentary in an increasing number of news and media sources across Canada show growing opposition. Leading figures in London and the broader Canadian community, university faculty members, alumni and students have publicly decried the decision; others are lining up to join their stand. Student and alumni groups are mobilizing in opposition.”
“Giving this honour at convocation means that graduands and their families are forced to either tacitly join in honouring Morgentaler and all that he exemplifies or, where conscience does not permit, students who have earned their degrees will not be able to participate in their own convocation,” the uwoprotest.com site explained. “Whatever your reason, we invite you to join our Online Petition, calling on our university to reverse this decision. Voice Your Protest!”
The group advises that concerned Canadians can also protest this decision by:
Writing or calling University President Dr. Paul Davenport (519-661-3106 x83106, [email protected] , SLB 113), expressing your dismay with this decision, and asking Western to rescind it.
Contact the university Department of Alumni Relations to let them know that you as alumni or friends, your corporations and foundations, will no longer give, or will have serious reservations on beginning to give, donations to the University of Western Ontario, should they fail to reverse this decision. Gary Blazak, Director, Alumni Relations [email protected] 519-661-2118 or ext. 82118 Room 110 AH
Uwoprotest.com also encourages writing letters of protest to the editor of local and area newspapers.
If the decision is not rescinded, those opposed to the award are asked to join in a peaceful silent protest with Professor Paul Whitehead, other faculty, alumni, staff, current students, and graduating students and their families who cannot take part in convocation at The University of Western Ontario on Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 9:00am at the Alumni Hall Circle, or in front of Brescia College on Western Road.
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