Journalists under fire
Students can learn about the conditions faced by journalists in non-democratic countries at a student forum on Friday hosted by the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. Taking place at 3 p.m. at the Varsity offices (on the corner of Huron and Sussex, behind Robarts) the forum will feature a video airing and a presentation on some of the more serious cases of journalistic oppression and their consequences. The event is part of SAC’s Expressions Against Oppression Week.
Violence against women vigil
U of T will join in a day of action against violence against women, Thursday December 6 on the St. George campus.
A memorial will take place from 12:15-1:15 p.m. at the Great Hall at Hart House, with a reception to follow. Later that evening, there will be a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. on Philosopher’s Walk at the Bloor Street entrance.
Reduced transit fees in the works
The Students Administrative Council (SAC) at U of T is working on a joint strategy with other universities and colleges, including York and Ryerson, to lower university student passes $13.00 to what high school students pay.
An independent study is being put together by the TTC to establish whether there is a need for such a shift, which would be from $93.50 to $80.00 for a one-month Metropass. SAC hopes to have things in the works by 2003, if the independent survey proves that more students would shift from buying tokens and tickets to buying a pass with the discount.”We want public transportation which is accessible and isn’t a financial burden on university students, and it’s also important for environmental reasons,” said SAC president Alex Kerner. He said that the feasibility depends on student support.
“It depends how many students we can mobilize around the issue—how many people take it seriously and are prepared to do the patient work of convincing the three levels of governments that have subsidized TTC passes.”
Anti-war peace action in London, England
Around 100,000 anti-war protestors marched in London, England on the weekend, much to the Stop the War Coalition’s joy. Demonstrators from trade unions, Muslim organizations, community and anti-racist groups, colleges, schools and universities, human rights, peace and anti-globalization, and political parties hit the pavement to advocate peace.
“After today’s demonstration, no one can doubt both the scale and the diversity of anti-war feeling in this country,” said Suresh Grover of the National Civil Rights Movement and the Stop the War Coalition steering committee.
“This huge turn-out represents the tip of the iceberg of disquiet running through British society.”
At sunset, demonstrators—Muslim and non-Muslim—joined in iftar, the evening fast-breaking ritual of the month of Ramadan.
From a report from media workers against the war, in England.
