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It may be summertime but that doesn’t mean the news has slowed down. From education, to health, to politics and climate change here are some of rabble.ca‘s top blog reads this week.
In UBC news, former creative writing professor Steven Galloway has been dismissed, and the school has released a draft of their stand-alone sexual assault policy. Dr. Lucia Lorenzi writes about her experience volunteering on the University Sexual Assault Panel. She details how the choice to go public and advocate for change can come with a cost. Make sure to read this powerful account about speaking out and what’s going on in Canada’s post-secondary institutions.
While you’re at it check out my piece about UBC’s sexual assault policy. While this policy is a step in the right direction there has been criticism that it contains many of the problems that got UBC in trouble in the first place. I write about some of the people at UBC doing good work, but question whether the university’s efforts will be able to address the systemic problem.
In health news, Canadian Blood services has recently reduced the blood donation period for men who have sex with men (MSM) to one year. Mercedes Allen discusses how the organization is also working on a policy for trans* donors, which will be invasive and based on conservative assumptions about gender and sexuality. Allen says this is part of a larger problem of trans* exclusion from MSM language and safe sex initiatives. Allen argues the focus should be on risk factors rather than who is donating and hopes that public attention will lead to change.
In political news, David J. Climenhaga advises Canada’s political right to address extremism among their ranks. He points out that they are reluctant to deal with those that threaten violence on social media along with sexism, racism and homophobia. He says it’s time for Canada’s Conservative leaders to stand up and speak out and that it’s more than just political correctness.
Finally, although it may be hard to believe Dennis Gruending reminds us that climate change deniers still exist. While politicians have made pledges in response to scientific reports at December’s Paris climate conference, there are those that argue eco-activists are part of a conspiracy. Gruending argues that the conspiracy actually lies in carbon-based industries funding groups that deny climate change, using public relations to sow doubt.
That’s it for this week’s blog roundup, make sure to check out more rabble.ca blogs to find out what’s happening in your world.
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