FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2024

Subject: Racist Incident at Western University’s Board of Governors Meeting

Hikma Public Affairs Council is deeply concerned about a recent incident involving Geoff Pollock, a member of Western University’s Board of Governors. During the Board’s most recent meeting, Mr. Pollock used hateful and Islamophobic language, fundamentally contrary to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) that Western University upholds.

On June 27, 2024, an EDI amendment was proposed to ensure the Board’s actions align with these core values. Mr. Pollock rejected this amendment, stating: “This is the exact language used by militants who have taken over our campus as justification for their acts of antisemitism.” Historically, characterizing legitimate protestors as “militants” is a widely-used Islamophobic and anti-Arab trope, maligning and endangering Muslim and Arab communities.

Judge Koehnen’s ruling in the University of Toronto case reaffirmed that the protests were peaceful, including chants such as “Free Palestine”, “From the River to the Sea”, and “End the Occupation,” which are legitimate political expressions protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These expressions were not acts of antisemitism or hate but were expressions of political opinion and solidarity with marginalized groups. It is dangerous for individuals like Mr. Pollock to use such language in an attempt to alienate an entire community.

Muslim students at Western have faced intensified discrimination, including assaults and verbal abuse, largely ignored by the administration. This selective protection fosters a harmful environment of intolerance.

Hikma Public Affairs Council demands:

• Immediate Removal of Geoff Pollock from the Board: His presence undermines the University’s EDI commitments and compromises the safety and security of students and the community.

• Public Statement from the Board: Condemn Mr. Pollock’s language and reaffirm EDI principles with an apology to affected communities.

Western University must act swiftly to uphold its values and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all, especially in a city like London, which has witnessed dangerous forms of hatred. Failure to address Mr. Pollock’s conduct adequately would be a failure of responsibility.

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Hikma Public Affairs Council