The Brunswickan, Issue 7, Vol. 154 by Brunswickan Publishing Inc

VOLUME 154, ISSUE 7, MARCH 2021

The Strax Affair: A nuclear physicist, a controversial war, and a Bruns employee behind bars UNBSU Executive Report: CRO issues recommendations following reports of toxic workplace

Editorial Policy While we endeavour to provide an open forum for a variety of viewpoints and ideas, we may refuse any submission considered by the Editorial Board to be racist, sexist, libellous or in any way discriminatory.

About us The Brunswickan, in its 154th year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication. We are an autonomous student publication owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc. , a nonprofit, independent body. We are also a founding member of the Canadian University Press. Now a magazine, we publish monthly during the academic year with a circulation of 300. We publish weekly online at Thebruns.ca. @thebrunswickan

The opinions and views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Brunswickan, its Editorial Board or its Board of Directors. All editorial content appearing in The Brunswickan is the property of Brunswickan Publishing Inc. Stories, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the express, written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Front Cover Ophelia in the Bathtub, by Jules Keenan

Staff Reporters Andrew McCullough Ibukun Keyamo David Bunce Creative Team Josh Vandenborre Jules Keenan Social Media Manager Emma Warwick

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Ally Buchanan Business Manager Cameron Wiseman Ceative Director Jules Keenan News Editor Taylor Chalker Arts & Lifestyle Editor Marlowe Evans Ad Manager Curtis Brewster Multimedia Editor Josh Vandenborre Copy Editor Jack Sparks

Editor Letter from the

Words by Ally Buchanan Illustration by Jules Keenan

I’ve never had a great grasp on the concept of time. Which sounds ridiculous, I know. But in my mind, an hour long class could be 15 minutes or a whole afternoon. I forget what day it is constantly, and once wrote the wrong year on dates until April. I still don’t know how no one told me. So I’m having a really hard time accepting that there is only about two months left in the school year. For me, two months left at UNB, and two months left at The Brunswickan. At the time this is being written and published, it’s been around a year since Fredericton announced its first case of COVID-19 and UNB shut down. Now, I’m not going to go through the now-cliche description of “unprecedented times” and “uncertainty” and “a year like no other.” We’ve all been here, living through a variety of experiences both unusual and strangely usual at this point. I don’t need to catch you up. But sometimes I feel like I do. So much of this last year has felt like running on a treadmill, or treading water. I’m a good swimmer, but a year is a long time to kick your feet and keep your head above the water. It’s been a year of struggling so hard just to stay in the same place as before. Something about it seems so unfair that this is my last one here, at UNB and at The Bruns. But at the same time, it makes so much sense that it was strange, stressful, and action-packed. While at The Bruns I’ve written about an explosion at Head Hall, budget cuts to Counselling Services, UNBSU controversy, and rallies by university staff. I’ve seen the rise of Fridays for Future and student-led climate activism, covered three major elections, witnessing history in two of them, and protests over the closure of Clinic 554. I’ve covered the introduction of the Piluwitahasuwin position to UNB, the removal of the timely completion benefit, and policy changes for international students. Honestly, a worldwide pandemic makes sense to top it all off, in some strange, dramatic way.

This is the last Letter from the Editor you’ll be getting from me. In a few weeks time I’ll be passing the torch off to my successor, Marlowe Evans, who you’ll be hearing from a bit later. I’ve loved watching her grow as a journalist the last three years that I have known her. I am leaving The Bruns in very capable hands, but it still breaks my heart to be leaving it at all. The last three years of my life have been defined by The Brunswickan for so many different reasons. Through my involvement with the paper I have travelled, met so many wonderful people, contributed to important conversations, and become connected to the UNB community in a way I never would have otherwise. It’s truly been a pleasure, most of the time, and an honour. So, I guess to conclude, I just want to say thank you for allowing me to work for you. Sincerely, Ally

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE BRUNSWICKAN | VOL. 154, ISSUE 7

News Briefs Taylor Chalker

On the Town

Marlowe Evans

My Promise is to Remain Unafraid: Thoughts From Our Incoming EIC Marlowe Evans

United Mindsets: A Q&A With Olka Art Collective Andrew McCullough

UNB Financial Assistance Options During COVID-19 Taylor Chalker

CRO Conducts Student Union Executive Report Taylor Chalker

UNB History: The Strax Affair of 1968/1969 David Bunce

Outgoing SU Presidents

Ibukun Keyamo

Ophelia in the Bathtub Marlowe Evans

Dear Sharkie Sharkie

Crossword

the remaining residents that did not meet the requirements of Phases 1-3. Shephard explained that, as more doses become available, the province will readjust the plan. She is hopeful that there will be enough doses to meet the needs of the province by the summer. UNB Changes Course Registration Process Words by Taylor Chalker Illustration by Jules Keenan

New Brunswick Announces Changes to Vaccination Timeline On February 18, the New Brunswick Government announced that they would be altering their expected plan for vaccine roll out. This change stems from delays in shipment and redistribution of vaccination supplies. Dr. Jennifer Russell, Chief Medical Officer of Health in New Brunswick, explained that administration of the vaccine would be delayed for those that are considered low risk, and that second doses would be delayed to allow the majority of residents to receive the first dose without overwhelming the healthcare system. “This is not a perfect approach, but action is required,” Russell explained at a virtual COVID-19 update on February 18. Rollout of the vaccine has been separated into phases, with Phase 1 seeing first vaccination given to long-term care residents and staff, front-line healthcare workers, First Nations adults, and individuals over the age of 85. “We expect it will take until the end of March to offer the vaccine to everyone in the first priority group,” explained Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “We can look ahead to April and May when we can expect to start vaccinating new groups of people.” The vaccination of these “new groups” will signify the start of Phase 2, which includes a wider variety of New Brunswickers, such as individuals over the age of 70 and first responders. Phase 3 is expected to begin in June, vaccinating school staff and students aged 16-24, those with two or more chronic health conditions, and healthcare workers with indirect patient contact.

On February 16, UNB advised students that they would be altering the methods for course registration beginning on March 1. “As of March 1, 2021, you will now use Colleague Self-Service in the myUNB Portal to register,” explained the email sent to all students. “This new system will improve the course registration process by providing a modern interface that will make it much easier to use.” The university held information sessions for this new process on February 18, 22, and 25, and information can be obtained by contacting UNB registrar offices at the Fredericton and Saint John campuses. No Unanimous Approval for Hybrid Settings in Legislature New Brunswick MLAs engaged in a standoff on February 12, as they were unable to reach a unanimous decision to engage in a hybrid setting, forcing an early end to the proceedings as a decision seemed unreachable. The opposition advocated for the use of a hybrid setting which, given the pandemic, would allow MLAs to choose whether they attended meetings virtually or in-person. “The opposition is trying to make this a very simple thing, which it is not,” explained Glen Savoie, Government house leader. “We’re talking about the fundamental rights and privileges of members.” The government and opposition debated this matter for an hour during the proceedings, with the opposition advocating for flexibility given the current circumstances in the province. Premier Blaine Higgs addressed reporters during the debate, agreeing that a hybrid system should be drafted and on standby in the case that the COVID-19 situation worsens.

“Not being able to conduct the business of the provPhase 4 is anticipated to begin in July, and will include ince is not an option,” Higgs explained.

Words by Marlowe Evans Illustration by Jules Keenan

Novel Writing: The Next Steps Workshop

Sláinte: A Celtic Soiree with Frantically Atlantic

When: March 20, 1 - 5 p.m. Where: Online Instructor Terry Armstrong shows you how to take your characters and ideas and turn them into a real novel in this intensive one day workshop offered through the UNB Art Centre and the College of Extended Learning. “You’ve got the plot. You’ve got the characters. But how do we bring it all together in a compelling way that engages and immerses our readers? We start by examining five simple, but powerful steps and put these concepts into practice.” The price for the workshop is $65.

When: March 17, 7:30 p.m. Where: The Fredericton Playhouse Frantically Atlantic is asking you to spend your St. Patrick’s Day immersed in real Irish culture. Featuring a reading of W. B. Yeats’s world-renowned poetry, alongside spritely jigs and reels as well as real Irish dance, Sláinte promises a St. Patrick’s Day well-spent. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Playhouse Box Office.

Magical Mactaquac Night Hikes When: Every Friday in March Where: Mactaquac Provincial Park Every Friday in March, you are invited to snowshoe under the stars and learn about the night sky and the animals that call Mactaquac Park home. Learn about the night sky with Ed Dunphy from the Royal Astronomy Society of Canada, or about night critters with Ian Smith, from NWAI and Samantha Brewster from Ducks Unlimited. These guided night hikes are offered in French and English and are entirely free! Registration is online via Eventbrite.

Celebrating Women in Music Virtuoso Series When: March 25, 7:30 p.m. Where: The Charlotte Street Arts Centre Symphony New Brunswick’s Saint John String Quartet is pleased to announce Celebrating Women in Music. This virtuoso series will be bringing quartets by female composers to life in the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, an intimate venue. Tickets are available online, $10 for students and $26 regular admission.

MY PROMISE IS TO REMAIN UNAFRAID THOUGHTS FROM OUR INCOMING EDITOR IN CHEIF Words by Marlowe Evans Photo by Savannah Moore

HELLO. I like to think we’ve met before. I’ve worked here for awhile. Have you ever read Inherit the Wind? It’s a very good play. There is a film version that won a few Academy Awards. But at one point, the journalist covering the trial says, “It is the duty of a newspaper to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.” That is what I’m setting out to do here. That is the tone I am leading with as Editor-in-Chief. 9

I am EIC for the 2021-2022 academic year. I am taking the torch from Ally Buchanan, who’s fostered my work this year, and from Brad Ackerson who hired me when I was a freshman who wanted to be Carrie Bradshaw. I want to thank both of them for nurturing me. Beyond that I won’t spend time on my personal history. I don’t take these pages to introduce myself. My body of work speaks for itself. Instead, I write about a promise. As a journalist, I have been sent hate mail, been harassed, and been threatened. Student journalism is largely thankless work. We work as hard as the pros, but for less money and sometimes more trouble. For awhile, I think that maybe some student newspapers have been afraid of the repercussions more serious, critical writing could have on their writers’ educations, their futures. I step into this job, and I am not afraid. My promise to The Brunswickan’s readership, UNB students old and new, the entirety of Fredericton – my promise is that I will remain unafraid. This publication has power. It has an old strength, one that began with students who worked here who have long since died, and one that will continue with new students who I will never meet. The Brunswickan is more than just an outlet for creativity, or a bulletin for student events. This publication has, for hundreds of years, been the voice of students and oppressed groups in the community. It has protested against misogyny, racism, sexual harassment, tuition hikes, the Vietnam War – The Bruns has done it all. My promise is to continue that legacy. Yes, I am excited to bring you a new creative vision for the magazine and for online content. Your new Editor-in-Chief was the Arts and Culture Editor for two years; of course there’s going to be amazing new ideas there. But I want to go beyond the boundaries of where the publication has been since we became a magazine.

Media exists to hold the state accountable. Student media exists for the exact same reason. We are meant to stand as a line of first defence for students. We are meant to critique and draw attention to the flaws in our university community, and in Fredericton as a whole, so that the issues we report on can be addressed and resolved. I am not taking on this position lightly. I have studied and trained to be able to effectively stand in this role, and to be able to say confidently that I can continue the work done by previous Brunswickan staff. I want things to change. Let me explain. Do I think that The Bruns has done a good job of holding the Student Union, University Administration, and the greater Fredericton community accountable for the past few years? Sure. I think that we struggled with some things, the same way all small media outlets have struggled in a world where digital media reigns. But we’ve recovered. In the three years I’ve been at The Bruns, I’ve watched it slowly return to a place of creativity and power. I think we’re strong enough now to be able to do what we are meant to do. I am here to make things different. I am here to create spaces for students to tell their stories, to celebrate their victories, and showcase their talents. But where maybe I was supposed to write a biography introducing myself to everyone, I choose instead to restate my commitment to the community. I want this coming year to bring The Brunswickan back to where it was at its prime, when we used our power to make student voices heard, when we weren’t afraid of repercussions from anyone. Student media has power, and I am telling you, in simple words, that The Brunswickan is retaking that power. I look forward to working for you.

United Mindset: A Q&A with Olka Art Collective Words by Andrew McCullough Artwork submitted

Just before Christmas, my partner and I walked through a Christmas art sale featuring local Fredericton artists. Just past Queen Square Park, in a weathered-brick building, we were guided through room after room filled with paintings, jewellery, and small ornaments. As we slid between rooms, I kept seeing small paintings of enigmatic faces, staring through the canvas or print, as if over my shoulder. The tag for each piece credited their creation to Olka Art. Since that day, Olka Art seemed to pop up everywhere. In cafés, shops, social media feeds, and the Fredericton Cultural Market. When I discovered that Olka was not a single person, but a collective of four Iranian artists, I was more intrigued than ever. Each piece of artwork resounded with identity and a sense of boundless possibilities. So, I reached out to the artists of Olka Art Collective (Layla Partovi, Ismail Rezaee, Tania Sedigh, and Parisa Partovi) to learn more about them, their experience coming to New Brunswick, and their work style. Most of the questions that follow have been answered by the group as a collective unless otherwise noted. 12

For our readers, could you start by telling us the story of how you decided to become an art collective? Parisa, Ismail and Layla had separate workshops, and they all needed more space at the time, so they decided to share a space and split the rent. At the time, they worked as independent artists, and, at the time, Tania was working for her teacher in his workshop. Tania regularly visited Parisa, Layla, and Ismail in Tabriz. In one of those visits, they were working on a public art project with a strict deadline. They were all engaged with the project, and she joined them. The result surprised them; it was much better than the work they had done as separate artists. They did a couple of more projects this way. Four artists, four different points of view. One united mindset and a common goal. In time, they decided to become a group, and it wasn’t easy at all.

And how did Olka Art end up in New Brunswick?

How do your ideas manifest?

When we were in Iran, we got a job offer to establish a sculpture museum in Fredericton. We came here, but due to the pandemic we got laid off from the job, and the company eventually cancelled the entire project.

Since we are all from the same country, we have similar cultural backgrounds and similar concerns. In order to express these concerns in our artwork, we brainstorm and exchange ideas in scheduled weekly meetings and then sum up the ideas. Sometimes we have one brilliant idea, or we may spend time planning for new projects.

How did it feel to have such a major project fall through? When you decide to live as an artist and art is your main income source, you’re not aiming for an easy life and you’ll always face new challenges; this is a norm all around the world and, obviously, it’s more noticeable in less developed countries. This job offer could’ve been a promising start for us, but the pandemic situation has changed everything. But we didn’t lose our hopes, and we didn’t get disappointed; we have registered our own company and are motivated in building up our own career. Would you like to stay in New Brunswick when the pandemic is over? With all the friends that we’ve made here, and the great support from local people, and also our work history here, Fredericton is like a new home to us. We would love to stay here in town after the pandemic situation. What are the biggest challenges you encounter, working as a group? As a collective, we have to consider that one member may come up with an idea that could be rejected by the other group members, and there is the possibility that the whole idea or plan might be changed to suit the group’s goals.

Olka Art is the reflection of the actual society. All the members are working toward their main goal, which is affecting contemporary art, regardless of sex, gender, or boundary. Teamwork is what makes us stronger and sets us apart. Our skills are complementary in most cases, as well as overlapping. And what is your team workflow like? We are all involved in every piece of art produced by the collective. From the idea to creation and installation. The percentage of cooperation and participation of each member may be different, but we all participate and occupy all the works, whether equally or unequally. We have brainstorming meetings on a regular basis. These meetings provide a diversity of thoughts, creativity, perspective, and different approaches to each topic that we are focusing on. This allows us to increase our productivity and develop a more efficient and effective way to combine or select ideas for creating the initial plan and the visual perspective of the entire project.

At the end of the day, our artwork is a summation of four individual, unique, creative minds. Of course there are challenges in every teamwork project, but it is totally worth it.

Two of your series (The Vestiges of a Former Life and The Trace of the Life Left Behind) use depictions of nature and people to touch on your youths in Iran. Could you elaborate on these series? We have painted these two series of paintings after moving to Canada. Post-immigration homesickness made us think more about Iranian art, so we tried to create Iranian-Canadian fusion art in order to talk about these beauties with the common language of art. In the first series (Vestiges) we painted people pursuing their dreams. They are aware of their goals and dreams, so we have painted their front-angle portraits. But in the second series (Trace), we painted the figures of the people who are not aware that they carry their own cultures. These people realize the fact through every change, in every situation of their lives; so, we didn’t paint their faces. Layla, you were the first female sculptor in Tabriz. How did your experience as a sculptor in Iran impact your work in Olka Art? When I started my journey as a sculptor, I faced stereotypes; some, I had to change all by myself and some, I had to adapt to. That prepared me for working with three other artists. Sometimes, I have to compromise and adapt, and sometimes I try to change their minds. Tania, in the past you’ve mentioned facing sexism and harassment that disappeared after starting Olka Art. Could you elaborate? Traditionally, conservative societies don’t usually take a woman seriously in workspaces. This leads to discrimination and harassment in some cases. Being backed by the collective, these types of issues could be eliminated. It doesn’t really matter where you are located, or your background; discrimination happens everywhere. Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes it is disguised but not eliminated. I think this is an important responsibility for us as humans and artists to talk about it to the media as much as we can.

Ismail, you’ve done and still do a lot of sculpting. Could you explain the mental process involved in switching between three-dimensional and two-dimensional works? Sketching is the key factor in sculpture, painting, and architecture. First, you have an idea conceived in your mind, then you initiate designing and make your ideas real. This interesting relationship between two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds is the key that makes your ideas real. Parisia, in the past you’ve mentioned an exciting moment seeing an expressionist painting for the first time. What is it about expressionism that provides you with such creative energy? As you know, expressionist art tends to be emotional. I was just a passionate teenager full of emotions that I had no idea how to express. The very first time I looked at an expressive painting I felt like magic; it was a whole new world to me. The painting was a present from my sister’s sculpture teacher, a woman screaming on the street with all these warm colours and free lines. I fell in love with that primitive exaggeration and fantasy. The excitation without any filters attracted me to the point that I am standing right now. What advice would you give to others interested in starting an artist collective? Teamwork is like raising a child. You have to sacrifice and be patient and you have to keep doing it for years without any breakdown.

UNB Financial Assistance Options During COVID-19

Words by Taylor Chalker Illustration by Jules Keenan

In spring 2020 UNB Students were grateful to learn that the university would be providing financial assistance to those that demonstrated financial need as a result of the pandemic, in the form of the UNB Student Relief Fund. This emergency funding was designed to fund travel costs due to the pandemic, as well as living costs due to loss of employment, and was accessible for students that were enrolled in the winter 2020 semester.

The Government of Canada remains committed to providing emergency funds to those that are struggling financially, and there are options available for those who were receiving the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit before it closed. One government financial option is the Canada Recovery Benefit, which pays workers $500 per week on a biweekly basis for up to 26 weeks. As well, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit provides $500 per week to those that have lost work due to caring for a child or family member as a result of the pandemic.

As of April 30, 2020 the UNB Student Relief Fund was closed, with no word on if it will be reopening for students that are still experiencing financial stress due Most students are working entirely remotely and may to the ongoing pandemic. see an increase in their utilities as a result. For those that are struggling with the cost of heating a home, In addition to the Student Relief Fund, UNB referred the Emergency Fuel Benefit is available to subsidize struggling students to a variety of other funding costs for eligible households. The Department of options, including the Emergency Bridging Fund, the Social Development will assess on a case-by-case Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, and the benefit to determine eligibility. Canadian Emergency Student Benefit, all of which have now closed. For students who are struggling with grocery costs, Financial Services lists a variety of community food Many students remain in a precarious financial banks throughout New Brunswick, including locations situation and are still seeking financial aid options in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John. that remain open. The Financial Resources section of the UNB website provides a list of financial aid opportunities for students, as well as a list of options that have since closed, to ensure that students are aware of their options. For students who are struggling with a lack of employment due to COVID-19, JobMatchNB is a resource that includes information on a variety of support options. This resource has guides for those who are seeking financial aid, as well as a job board for those who are actively seeking employment. As well, Employment Insurance is available for those who have lost their job and who are actively trying to find work.

Greener Village, a Fredericton local service, provides home delivery of non-perishable food items, which are delivered within 24 hours of the request. Delivery drivers adhere to social distancing guidelines, and ensure that a box has been received. If a box is not taken inside, the box will be returned to Greener Village, and individuals may make another request for delivery.

CRO Conducts Student Union Executive Review Report Words by Taylor Chalker Graphics by Josh Vandenborre

In a council meeting on January 17, it was announced that the CRO had conducted a series of interviews with the Student Union Executives and the General Manager, Karen Miner, to form an Executive Review Report that looks into the practices of the Student Union. This review follows the resignation of former Vice President Advocacy Kelsi Evans who raised concerns about the internal workings of the Student Union in Fall 2020. The Brunswickan’s coverage of Evans’ resignation can be found on thebruns.ca. “Every day I felt disrespected and disregarded by the Executive team,” explained Evans in an open letter published by The Brunswickan on February 26. The Council entered virtual closed sessions on January 17 and January 24 to discuss the report, which included members of the Board of Governors, Senators, Councillors, the VP Communications, and the CRO.

“Following the recommendation outlined in this review, the Executive is now tasked with creating a definitive change to how the Union is run to benefit all students,” explained Sean MacKenzie, President of the Student Union. “Some of these changes include fostering a better Student Union team dynamic and creating a healthy and lasting relationship with Council.”

On January 24, the Council made public the recommendations section of the report, which identified twelve recommendations that the Student Union aims to implement in their practices. The first recommendation calls for the Student Union to appoint a Human Resources position so that the Vice President Finance and Operation (VPFO) no longer oversees matters concerning the Executive. The VPFO will continue to fulfill human resource management responsibilities for Clubs and Societies. To follow this recommendation, Karen Miner, General Manager of the Student Union, has been appointed Human Resources Representative. Council raised concerns about Miner being overloaded with work, but the Executive ensures that a regular check-in will take place to ensure that she is receiving adequate support. “One of our goals was to improve well-being, so perhaps we could make sure someone checks-in on her,” suggested Molly Pittman, Management Councillor. “That way, we can ensure that she isn’t being overworked and can allocate time to her other duties.” Second, the Chief Conduct Office will become a role separate to that of the Chief Returning Officer to ensure the upholding of the bylaws and policies for Executives and Council members. Third, team bonding events and workshops should be held on a monthly basis for the remaining tenure of the current Executive team. Fourth, the current Executive must review position descriptions to ensure that each member understands the responsibilities of their role, as few “understand what each member is responsible for.”

Fifth, the Executive will engage in conversation with Council to increase transparency with the absence of in-person classes. This conversation took place in a council meeting on January 31, and was led by Vice President Internal Grace Pelkey. Sixth, the Executive must conduct their own review which aims to improve consistency with efforts towards inclusion and diversity. This recommendation encouraged the Executive to seek input from on-campus groups. “I had started on this before Téa came into her role, but now that she’s been hired, we can tag-team to work on this,” explained MacKenzie. Seventh, an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) plan must be completed for the organization as a whole, as opposed to a plan solely for orientation purposes. Téa Fazio, Vice President Advocacy, indicated that she plans to have this plan completed during the current Executive’s tenure. “In my role, I believe this needs to be prioritized above a lot of other tasks,” explained Fazio when asked if she will have enough time to complete this task. “Certainly, my goal is as much development as possible.” Eighth, the report recommends that weekly Executive meetings produce clear deliverables, goals are being accomplished, and deadlines are being met. Ninth, the completion of a comprehensive review, in accordance with a third-party legal opinion, of Bylaw 1, the Human Resource Policy, the Human Rights Policy, and the Executive Position Description Policy.

Eleventh, the Executive must release a public statement addressing this process and its results. MacKenzie referred to his initial explanation of the process at the January 17 meeting and ensured that a document would be available on the Student Union website on January 27*. “Last week, before we entered our in-camera session, I gave a brief statement,” explained MacKenzie at the January 24 meeting. “I had written up a draft document and sent it to the group for recommendations. That document will be available with last week’s minutes and will be out to the public on Wednesday (on our website).” Lastly, a twelfth recommendation was added at the request of Mia Scalabrin, Accessibility Councillor, which requires the Executive to address any concerns regarding Council participation on a proactive basis to decrease frustration. *At the January 24 meeting, it was decided that Executives should report on the status of these recommendations at the end of each weekly Council meeting to ensure that they are being upheld.

Tenth, Executives should hold weekly virtual office hours to increase accessibility and ensure that students are able to voice concerns. Deanna Merriam, Vice President Communications, organized a weekly schedule for the Executive team, and this recommendation is now carried out on a weekly basis.

UNB History: The Strax Affair of 1968/1969 Words by David Bunce Graphic by Josh Vandenborre

Strax Targets UNB Shortly after the original efforts of The Mobilization, Strax and his student group set their sights on UNB itself. In September 1968 the university introduced photo ID cards. Strax and company decried the cards as infringing on individual rights and employing police-state tactics.

In the midst of the Vietnam War, Norman Strax arrived at

UNB with a PhD in nuclear physics and began his career as an associate professor. In the years that followed, Strax became the centerpiece of a series of events known as the “Strax Affair” which led to two Brunswickan employees being charged with contempt of court, one of whom ended up serving jail time. Straxtivism Norman Strax was deeply against the war in Vietnam and, as a student, he participated in many protests against the conflict. He arrived in Canada surprised at the apathy displayed by Canadian students. They simply were not as concerned about the war or other social issues as his American colleagues. Strax sought to change that. Using his influential position, Strax empowered students to fight for their beliefs. One of his first initiatives was in creating the “Mobilization Against the War in Vietnam” organization. In October 1967 he organized bus transportation for approximately 150 people from the UNB Fredericton campus to Washington, D.C. in order to attend the “March on the Pentagon”. This initial trip led to further protests targeting various issues. In February 1968 The Mobilization engaged in a sit-in at the Centennial Building in Fredericton to protest university tuition fees and the influence of the Irving family on New Brunswick’s provincial government.

These accusations may appear extreme, but with the context of 1968 and the efforts of certain governments to suppress activists, Strax’s hostility toward the policy makes sense. To Strax, this was a way of increasing surveillance on the student population. The ID cards were required to sign out library books, and thus a new protest idea was born. Peter Kent, an assistant to UNB President Colin Mackay, said the game was infamously known as “bookie-book.” Beginning on September 20, 1968, Strax and company would carry armloads of books to the library desk and demand to check them out. Upon refusal by the library staff, the books would be left at the desk and the students would return with another batch. The game of bookie-book continued for three days until Strax was suspended by UNB President Colin B. Mackay on September 24, 1968, without stated reasons. Strax refused to leave campus, and on September 27 he and his student supporters occupied his office.

Legal Trouble and Contempt On September 30, Mackay sought an injunction against Strax to remove him from campus and legally prevent him from returning to campus grounds. After his initial refusal to leave campus in violation of the injunction, Strax complied on October 2. This did not end the protests, as students continued to occupy Strax’s office in his absence. This continued until the Fredericton police forced their way into the office to evict students on November 10. Strax appeared in a Saint John court in November on charges that he violated the injunctions against him. He was found guilty and sentenced to pay a $500 fine and serve 30 days in jail. Tom Murphy was a UNB student who testified in defence of Strax. He subsequently wrote an article in The Brunswickan describing the trial as a “mockery of justice,” accusing the judge of bias against Strax, and calling the courts, “the instruments of the corporate elite.” The article led to charges of contempt of court against Murphy and The Brunswickan’s editor John Oliver. It was the first and only time in New Brunswick history that anyone had been charged with contempt for an article in a student newspaper. Oliver pleaded guilty, crowdfunding a $50 fine to avoid jail time. Murphy fought the charge and was represented by a lawyer from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Their efforts were unsuccessful with Murphy being found guilty and ordered to spend 10 days in jail. In most contempt of court cases involving newspapers, the newspaper faces liability because they are found to have materially prejudiced the trial process. For example, in the case of R v. Dorion, a newspaper printed documents that were not admissible into the criminal trial. The jury saw the article and were therefore exposed to evidence they should not have seen.

It is somewhat more rare for mere criticism of the court to ground a charge of contempt. In R v. Boucher the Supreme Court of Canada found that simple libel on the courts without more concrete intention will not give rise to contempt. It is when “respectful” criticism turns into “hostile” criticism that the courts take issue. Even still, only nine charges against newspapers in Canada had materialized in the 90 years before Murphy and Oliver were charged, making theirs a historic case in Canadian and New Brunswick justice. Aftermath In the aftermath of the incident, the Canadian Association of University Teachers pressured UNB to inform Strax of why he was suspended. After initial refusal, the CAUT initiated a censure of the university which is designed to further pressure the university by advising CAUT members not to accept employment positions at the University of New Brunswick. After a March 20, 1969 demonstration by UNB students, the school agreed to the demands of the CAUT and established a formal procedure to arbitrate disputes between professors and the university administration. The CAUT views the Strax affair as an important development in the establishment of due process for the discipline of academics in Canada. Strax remained in Fredericton for ten years after the incident before returning to the US to teach at Wabash College in Indiana. He died in New York City in 2002.

In other instances, publications were found to interfere with a trial by printing libel about the accused which would prejudice potential jurors against the accused individual.

Outgoing student Union Presidents

Words by Ibukun Keyamo Images submitted

As the 2020-21 session draws to a close, so do the tenures of Sean MacKenzie and Sarah Kohut, Student Union Presidents at UNB and STU r espectively.

MacKenzie enjoyed his time as president, saying he got to know so many people throughout the year which helped him gain new perspectives and better understand student issues.

MacKenzie has always loved being involved in student leadership and was initially the Computer Science Councillor before deciding to join the SU executive team. He was thinking about running for another executive position when a student leader approached him and recommended that he run for president.

“Transition was different because as myself and the rest of the executive team were learning the roles, we were also trying to figure out how to continue to support and represent students effectively in a COVID setting,” MacKenzie explained, citing the pandemic as a big hurdle for the team.

“It isn’t a common thing to see someone from my faculty in a role like this,” said MacKenzie, explaining that he never thought that he would be elected.

The pandemic also affected a lot of the work he was hoping to accomplish, but he noted that the role is not about what he wants, but about what the students want and need, and the number one thing students needed was support through COVID.

MacKenzie believes the SU executive team worked hard to ensure that services were continued to be offered to students and students were continued to be advocated for effectively. “I feel like I learned a lot about leadership and how to quickly adapt to an environment that is always changing. I also learned a lot about the different experiences that students have,” explained MacKenzie. “There were times that I was approached with concerns or issues that I had never thought of. It is very important to listen to what others have to say, and not be stuck on one perspective.” After graduating, MacKenzie would like to work as a software developer for a few years before pursuing an MBA. He feels like his role as president helped him learn a lot more about leadership and how to work in a leadership position, which he feels would be key in any role he pursues in the future. “The best piece of advice that I received this year was to make sure to take time for yourself. This role can easily take up a lot of personal time and it is best to not let it take over your life,” he explained. “As much as I love this role, everyone needs some time to relax. It is better to work eight hours a day at 100 per cent than twelve or more at 50 per cent.” MacKenzie is very thankful to all students that voted for him, and he applauds students for persevering through the many challenges that they have had to overcome this year. “I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of students this year. The ability to continue your studies during a pandemic is not easy, and I applaud each of you,” stated MacKenzie. “I am looking forward to seeing what comes of my final year at UNB and hope that I will be able to see more of you in the fall semester.”

Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to accomplish much of what she planned. “Realizing how the pandemic was going to alter students’ lives, my primary goal as president became being able to support students, my executive team, and the Students Representative Council. I’d like to imagine, and hope, that I accomplished that goal,” Kohut said. Kohut will be attending law school in the fall to pursue her dream of being a lawyer, and she believes her tenure as president will be integral to her future career.

Kohut first became involved with the Student Union at STU as a councillor in her second year and had no plans to run for president, but she is grateful that her passion for supporting students led her in this direction.

“Never forget why you were interested in the role in the first place,” said Kohut when asked about her advice for future STUSU Presidents. “There are many highs and lows, and there will certainly be times when you feel overwhelmed, but during those times remind yourself why you ran for that role, use that passion and drive to keep going. Hold that reason close to your heart.”

After her time as a councillor, Kohut realized how many opportunities lay within the SU to make the student experience great, so she ran for Vice President Student Life. After her time in that role, her passion for the students and the university community grew, and she knew she wanted to use that passion in a bigger capacity as president.

Ophelia in the Bathtub Words by Marlowe Evans Photos by Jules Keenan

can’t remember

the first time I read Hamlet. I only recall snapshots of memorizing the graveyard soliloquy, painting a backdrop with my Shakespeare club, and discussing the fates of the various characters in what may be one of the most famous plays in the world. What I really can’t remember is when everything in my life became so tied to a drowned girl. When did Hamlet become real? How did I go from dropping a plastic skull on my partner in the gravedigger scene in 10th grade acting class to standing on a precipice with my hands full of weeds? There’s no point at all in rehashing everything that happened in 2020. It’s a new year, and things are supposed to be better now. But 2020 evolved in a strange way. There must have been a day, somewhere in that lost year, where I woke up and felt different. Maybe it was the way my hair was curled, or a dress I wore.

But at some point, I woke up. And I was Ophelia. Mental health is something that should be discussed every day, not just when the phone company tells you it’s socially acceptable. I like to hope that after this year, more people acknowledge that than before. I don’t need to draw your gaze to the cloud of hazy stigma that surrounds mental health issues for you to know it’s there. But it is there. I feel its presence constantly – as I struggle to tell my professors why I’m having trouble finishing assignments, as I have to explain to my friends why I need to go home early. But it was different when I took on her mantle. She understood me, she knew what it was like to be led down a primrose path, to have everything in the world promised to you, and then to be hurt in the most intimate of ways. I’m not saying anyone killed my father and challenged my brother to a duel (he’s only 16, he’s not finished his sword training yet). But I was really going through it. Ophelia knew what that was like. She sat on the willow branch over the river, and the branch broke. That’s what this year felt like to me.

The foundations on which I had built my life, all my coping strategies, everything I thought I knew – the branch broke. The question I spent the year asking myself over and over again? Maybe that’s too personal. But either way, I felt like Ophelia understood the problem I was facing. She knew that when it really comes down to it, swimming is a choice.

Academics debate whether Ophelia’s death was accident or suicide. Did her heavy dress soak with water and drag her down, leading to her drowning? Or did she choose to let the brook take her in a final act of defiance? I think the answer is clear, but the debate persists. I can tell you it went on for a long time in my head.

I was Ophelia in a bathtub, 400 years later. I had no river, no willow branch. I spent hours just laying in the water in my bathroom, thinking. There is nothing about those thoughts that I want to share. Life in the weeds was bad.

How does one become a modern-day Ophelia? Is there a way to prevent such an unhealthy, grim kinship? Yeah. There probably is. But I’m not a psychologist. I’m just here, sitting with my laptop, trying to figure out how to end my most intimate story, and to answer the question I know you’re thinking – how did she get out of the bathtub? I can try to say that I reached out to people. I cut out all the people in my life who made me unhappy.

“There is a willow grows aslant a brook That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream. There with fantastic garlands did she come Of crowflowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples, That liberal shepherds give a grosser name, But our cold maids do ‘dead men’s fingers’ call them. There, on the pendant boughs her coronet weeds Clambering to hang, an envious sliver broke, When down her weedy trophies and herself Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide,

And mermaid-like a while they bore her up, Which time she chanted snatches of old lauds As one incapable of her own distress, Or like a creature native and indued Unto that element. But long it could not be Till that her garments, heavy with their drink, Pulled the poor wretch from her melodious lay To muddy death.” -Hamlet, Act IV, Scene VII

I waded through the waters and came into this school year refreshed. It wasn’t perfect, because there are still days where I wake up with flowers in my hair and mud on my feet. I know that I might never shake off the shadow version of myself I have created, the one who is drowning a little bit more all the time.

But the reason I’m writing this is because you need to be vulnerable in the way I am being vulnerable. Nothing can be better if you deny your ability to tell your story. I’m not saying you have to publish your struggles in a magazine. Don’t copy my ideas. I’m saying you need to tell your best friend. I’m saying you need to tell your doctor. No one needs to be Ophelia. No one needs to know what it’s like to sit in the willow over the brook every single day. Let me hand you out of your bathtub like Darcy hands Elizabeth out of the carriage. I see you and I’m listening to you. So is everyone else. There is so much more to you than water, even if it’s what we’re made of. Fuck the phone company. Every day is a good day to divulge the secrets you keep so close. 2021 has just started, even though March came when I wasn’t paying attention. It will be summer soon, and I know that in summer it is so much easier to swim without thinking about the choice I make in the water.

“Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia, And therefore I forbid my tears. But yet It is our trick. Nature her custom holds, Let shame say what it will. When these are gone, The woman will be out.—Adieu, my lord. I have a speech of fire that fain would blaze, But that this folly doubts it.” -Hamlet, Act IV, Scene VII 33

Send any questions regarding school, university culture, or life in general to dearsharkie@thebruns. ca in less than 100 words for a chance to gain really bad advice from everyone’s favourite red herring. Disclaimer: Please don’t actually follow this advice. Dear Sharkie, Will you please come to my st patrick’s day party??? I think it would make the party super awesome. What kind of snacks should I get for you?? -emily Dear emily, No! I will not go to your party. And it’s not because of COVID. Herring can’t get COVID. Really it’s because I’m too old to go to house parties. I am a very, very old fish, and I do not like university parties as much as I did when I was 200. I get bad hangovers, and someone always tries to flush me down the toilet as a joke, and then there’s the whole fuss over what to wear – it’s not worth it. The last St. Patrick’s Day party I went to was almost 50 years ago, and I only went as a favour to the EIC. Technically, as per the terms of the blood pact I have with the office of Editor-in-Chief, I have to go to every party they say, so it isn’t my fault that the people at the party got stuck in my time rift. They asked me to do a party trick, and summoning the real St. Patrick to have a beer with us would have been a sick way to celebrate if David hadn’t touched the edge of the sigil and messed up my whole vibe.

Also, Ally didn’t say I had to go to your party, so I don’t have to go. Haha, I am a fish and only listen to one person and otherwise don’t have to do anything I don’t feel like doing. Me and her are having a nice, peaceful screening of The Wind That Shakes the Barley instead of going drinking because we are interesting and sophisticated people. Besides, if I went to your party I’d have to bring the entire Brunswickan staff, and they could spontaneously burst into flames again. I can’t deal with that. I can’t afford to lose another staff. I’ve already had to re-animate this year’s staff like, five or six times. It’s hard work bringing people back from the dead, and I don’t feel like doing it just for your party, emily. As for what snacks you should get for me, I say cheese balls. Like the ones that are, you know, cheezies, except they’re ball shaped. I really like those. So, even though I am not going, you are more than welcome to mail some to me. I’m sure my address is somewhere in this magazine. Sorry I can’t make it and happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Across: 2. Submarine 4. UnitedStates 7. Hurling 8. Plumber 10. Blue 11. Die 14. HarryTruman 15. Waterford 17. Guiness 18. Shamrock 19. Shannon Down: 1. SeventeenNinetyEight 3. Pub 5. Emerald 6. Three 9. Lent 10. Bramstoker 12. Corcaigh 13. Harp 16. Leprechaun 18. Snakes

Across 2. Irishman John Phillip Holland invented what? 4. The country that hosted the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1762. 7. Traditional Irish sport. 8. What union dyes the Chicago River green? 10. The original St. Patrick’s Day colours. 11. What did St. Patrick do on March 17? 14. US President to first receive shamrocks from the Taoiseach. 15. The city which hosted the first st. Patrick’s parade in Ireland. 17. What beer is often served on St. Patrick’s day? 18. A plant often used to decorate in March. 19. The longest river in Ireland.

Down 1. The year green became associated with St. Patricks’s celebrations. 3. An institution which was closed in Ireland on March 17th until the ’70s. 5. Ireland is also known as the ___ Isle. 6. The number of colours on the Irish Flag. 9. What Christian holiday does St. Patrick’s Day happen during? 10. What Irish author wrote a famous novel about a vampire? 12. Capitol of County Cork (in Irish). 13. Instrument commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day. 16. Small being said to hide treasure.a 18. St. Patrick supposedly drove what animal from Ireland?