The University of Ottawa is making ancillary fees students could opt out of in the fall semester under the Student Choice Initiative mandatory again for the winter 2020 semester, following a court ruling last month quashing the provincial policy.
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The provincial government is looking to appeal last month’s Divisional Court of Ontario ruling striking down the Student Choice Initiative and deeming it unlawful, according to the Globe and Mail.
The Canadian Federation of Students and the York Federation of Students took to the halls of Queen’s Park on Friday to celebrate the court ruling quashing the provincial government’s controversial Student Choice Initiative, saying the decision marked “a historic day for students.”
“We want to send a strong message to Doug Ford and his government that some of his policies are not actually policies that are supported by students and workers on campus,” said Anne-Marie Roy, one of the organizers of the protest.
An average of around one-quarter of students at the U of O opted out of campus services deemed ‘non-essential’ under the Student Choice Initiative, a policy introduced by the provincial government this semester. Services impacted include the Office of the Ombudsperson, financial aid, clubs, student governments and campus media.
Student organizations on campus are already feeling the pressures of the Student Choice Initiative as the opt in deadline of Sept. 27 approaches, leading groups to develop tighter budgets and cut staff.
If you had the time, we could talk to you for hours about why it’s important to stay opted in to the work the Fulcrum produces. We thought an editorial might be the easier route for everyone.
“For essentially the cost of a cup of coffee ($3.38 per semester), if you do face a problem you’re going to get some assistance and some help in dealing with the issue which can be very stressful,” says clinic director Louise Toone.
Frémont discusses the university’s response to allegations of racism and racial profiling levelled at Protection Services, the impacts of the Student Choice Initiative and what’s being done after a string of student deaths in residence last year.
“The people who are here are missing class to stand up for those who can’t come to class at all this semester,” said organizer and student Tim Gulliver.
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