PRINCE GEORGE – The Chair of UNBC’s Board of Governors Aaron Ekman has been removed by the province due to ‘racist and discriminatory comments.’
The comments were not identified publicly.
A statement from Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training was released late Friday afternoon:
“Our government and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) are deeply committed to tackling racism and hate in all its forms. We have high standards for public appointees, and racist and discriminatory comments from public appointments to post-secondary institutions will not be tolerated. I am removing Aaron Ekman from his position,” says Kang.
Kang added,
“We will continue supporting universities and colleges as they work to provide top quality education and build safe and inclusive communities for students and staff.”
UNBC has released a statement in response,
“UNBC is firmly committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. The University community has come together frequently over the past year to confront and discuss issues of race, discrimination and systemic inequalities; comments that hinder those important conversations are contrary to the University’s values.
According to UNBC, Board Vice-Chair, Andrew Robinson, will take on the role of interim Chair, effective immediately and until the Board convenes to elect a new Chair.
A UNBC spokesperson said the institution will not provide further comment.
CKPG News has reached out to Ekman for comment.
