Mass Murderers on Campus?
Tuesday April 06, 2010
Kenna McKinnon
“Wow, for a second I thought that the University was going to try to get students who are collapsing under their workload help. But no, they are just treating all of their students as if they all were potential mass murderers…”
I found this online quote from “BiffMaGriff” amusing and so true!
There is a great deal of fear and ignorance surrounding mental health issues. Ask me - I know. And our very own University of Alberta recently announced (March 18, 2010) the following, as reported by CBC:
“Students and staff at the University of Alberta will soon be encouraged to report others who may have mental health issues and might pose a risk to campus safety… The information would be evaluated by a team which would assess the student and contact campus security if necessary. Psychological support will be offered to the student, hopefully within hours after the report is made.”
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/st...al-health.html
There is a tenet in the law that an individual is “innocent until proven guilty”. I presume this university “team” will be similar to a court of law, providing evidence, a lawyer for the hapless student, a prosecutor, and a jury? If everyone who was charged with an offence were guilty there would be no need for the justice system or defense lawyers.
And what of the “team” themselves and campus security? Does harassment ring a bell, or illegal confinement or slander or unlawful prosecution? I smell a lawsuit here (probably several) against the university and possibly the whistle blower who has a grudge against a fellow student…the Student Union very correctly observed that making this mandatory (as the University originally proposed) would “affect student relationships.” Well, yes. And freedom of speech? As an alumnus of the U of A (1975), I am very grateful that I attended at a time when compassion and understanding were more important than fear, ignorance, humiliation to a fellow who may evidence different beliefs and standards than oneself (it’s ‘my way or the highway’) and vindictiveness.
It has come to my attention that people on campus (and elsewhere) on occasion do not tell the truth, particularly where “relationships” are concerned. Are there professors and students on campus who are bipolar? Schizophrenic? Homosexual? Depressed? By all means, segregate and “treat” them! The abuse of human rights this action by my alma mater intimates is appalling. But wait - the article goes on to say that “While the program has not yet been approved by the board of governors, the university is already following the guidelines”.
What a place to get an education! I myself was treated with humanity and dignity in 1976 and afterward, when a mental health problem necessitated my withdrawal from a planned postgraduate program. I am so grateful that the present administration and their alarming proposals ordinarily are not followed by compassionate and intelligent administrations and individuals elsewhere.
George Orwell, anyone?
-- Kenna McKinnon
Column ID#: 125
**Opinions expressed by guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Connect2Edmonton members, partners or sponsors.**
RSS Feed