a part of my mind is back in 1989

[commodorified]

So this is happening, and while I have enormous faith in the solidarity and courage and decency and smarts of U of T students and faculty and employees and in this particular case pretty solid faith in the decency and smarts of TPS, AND I'm aware that quite a lot of why this one feels like such a huge deal is because it's actually being taken seriously and therefore publicised widely, which is a good thing, it is still a fucking outrage, it still sucks and there's still a line of cold anger and fear running down my back.

And, you know, the misogynists of Canada are always going to have this one handy as their go-to "joke": just, you know, casually threaten to shoot up a classroom. I'm sure they're going to be righteously indignant when that knock comes on their door. Goddamn feminists, can't take a joke.

The Polytechnique murders is such a handy tender spot.

I have a lot of concerns about the security state and the industrial prison complex and right now to be truthful I'm having a lot of trouble caring. I have issues. I'm aware.

Kick their fucking doors in. Go on. And film it and put it on YouTube, I want to see it.

And then treat them with scrupulous fairness. I'm not that far gone. A wish for them to get justice is curse enough.

Meanwhile, I love you, Toronto. I'm proud of you. I'm proud of WiTopoli and the Hassle-Free and all the feminist and womanist and women's organisations and groups and individuals of Toronto. I'm proud of all the pro-feminist men on campus and I'm proud of CUPE 3902. I love you all and I wish I were there right now.

Here is some useful info if you study or work at U of T or need for whatever reason to be on-campus in the next few days:

CUPE 3902 STATEMENT ON ON-CAMPUS THREATS AND UNSAFE WORK

Friends,

As many of you will know from the Provost’s earlier message, public threats have been received at the University of Toronto. We can add the detail that these were gendered threats made specifically toward women and feminists. We can also add that the threats specifically encourage violence and target our members in their workplaces. Specifically mentioned are those working in Sociology and Women’s Studies classrooms. The wording and content of the threats are beyond abhorrent and will not be reproduced here. All members, but especially those who identify as women and those who work in the named Departments, should be aware and careful, and of course all of us should look out for one another.

As your Union, it is our job to remind you that you have the legal right to refuse unsafe work. You do not have to enter a work situation in which you have reason to believe your safety or the safety of others may be at risk. Contact the Union if you intend to refuse work on the grounds that it is unsafe. You will have our full and unconditional support.

At times like these, the solidarity of sisters, brothers, comrades, friends and colleagues in the Union is essential. Let’s all recommit ourselves to each other’s safety and wellbeing and resist gendered violence in every form wherever we see it.

In Solidarity,
–Ryan

President's statement, with list of resources:

http://www.president.utoronto.ca/statement-concerning-online-threats-against-women

ETA: we are not presently at home to: minimising arguments, free speech arguments (threats are not protected speech), union-bashing, attempts to 'analyze' the seriousness of the situation, uses of this situation as an excuse to discuss US law or US gun control, or 'what about the men'.

Unconditional permission to link is granted.

Comments

[deakat]

My heart hurts, but that statement is awesome.

[commodorified]

*clings to you*

[graydon]

For the President of the University of Toronto issue a public statement on the subject containing 0% waffle is a major victory.

It's a victory in a sucky time, but still real.

Here's hoping those issuing the threats are apprehended and tried promptly, and prior to doing greater harm.

[commodorified]

Yep. I resent having to be grateful that this hot mess isn't being followed by cockroach brulee for dessert, but it is, as you say, progress.

[fallconsmate]

i'm glad that these threats are being taken seriously. people should be able to pursue an education without worrying about violence!! (people should be able to pursue just damn LIVING without worrying about violence...)

*hugs and hugs offered*

[iosef]

I'm not sure if you have heard this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvzDwvMmUTM

I'm glad the threats are being taken seriously. I hope that the perpetrators are found and dealt with.

[tei]

I just moved to Toronto near U of T this summer, and was planning on going there until about a week ago, and had not heard about this. Thanks for posting.

[twistedchick]

*sending heartfelt good wishes to all at the University of Toronto*

and {{{hugs}}} to you.

[mmegaera]

Dear godlings. All my sympathies (and more empathy than I wish I possessed, because of how I acquired the knowledge having it requires).

[kayloulee]

I'm a U of T alumna and I still have friends in various PhD programmes there. I am angry and afraid on their behalf, and so pleased that CUPE 3902 are advocating for them.