The Tribune Vol. 43 Issue 22

TUESDAY,

The Tribune

A functioning democracy at SSMU depends on student engagement

Maïa Salhofer / The Tribune

McGill

Over 28,000 students go on week-long strike against tuition hikes

Grad Students for

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Palestine call on donors to withhold gifts to university over complicity in Israeli siege on Gaza

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n Mar. 13, McGill held its annual McGill24 day, during which McGill students, alumni, and supporters give money to the university. Days prior, on Mar. 9, McGill Grad Students for Palestine created an Instagram post compelling alumni and students not to donate any money to the universitywhile it remains complicit in the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by partnering with Israeli academic institutions and investing in Israeli corporations. The post also urged the McGill community to sign the open letter in which McGill graduate students ask the university to recognize students’ demands to divest from Israeli investments and acknowledge the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

In a written statement to The Tribune, McGill media re-

How Augmented Reality technology could transform food quality assessment

Review study highlights the benefits and potential implications of AR in food quality inspections.

K. Coco Zhang Science & Technology Editor

R

apid technological advancements have transformed numerous industries, including the fieldof food quality assessment.

Augmented Reality (AR)—a technology that allows digital images and information to be projected onto the real-world environment—has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance food inspections and evalua-

tions.

In a recent paper, Jacob Liberty, PhD student in McGill’s Department of Bioresource Engineering, and his team explored AR technology and its applications in food quality and safety assessment.

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lations officer Frédérique Mazerolle stated that McGill24 is primarily a digital campaign, with donations largely stemming from web promotion and outreach via email and social media. At the same time, McGill’s student phone-a-thon team operates five nights a week during the run-up to McGill24.

“Last year, the University received 7,310 donations totaling $4.4 million during the campaign. This year, $4.9 million was raised through 7,690 donations,” Mazerolle wrote.

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is

no laughing matter

Just for Laughs’s 2024 festival has been cancelled as parent company files for bankruptcy

Jordana

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aughs aren’t enough to save Just for Laughs Comedy Festival from financial troubles.On Mar. 5, the parent company Groupe Juste pour rire inc. released a statement announcing the cancellation of the 2024 Just for Laughs /

Juste pour rire (JFL) Comedy Festival in Montreal and Toronto. The company is now seeking creditor protection from bankruptcy. Additionally, the company laid off 75 employees, which comprised about 70 per cent of the company. JFL explained that the combined factors of revenue loss during COVID-19, financial strain from inflation,

and the changing media landscape all contributed to their decision to cancel this year’s festival.

JFL gave many Canadian comedians, as well as American counterparts such as Kevin Hart and Jimmy Fallon, their big break by bringing together eager start-up comedians, attentive booking agents, and talent scouts.

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Curnoe Contributor

Over 28,000 students go on week-long strike against tuition hikes

Concordians led the charge, representing 96 per cent of the students on strike

Fabienne de Cartier Staff Writer

From March 11 to 15, over 28,000 students from McGill and Concordia went on strike against the tuition increases proposed by the Quebec government. Representing nearly 96 per cent of those on strike, Concordia students led the charge, mobilizing hundreds in a demonstration on March 13 and picketing classes throughout the week.

The tuition hikes, first proposed in Oct. 2023, brought tuition from $9,000 to $17,000 per year for out-of-province students attending one of Quebec’s three English-language universities. However, on Dec. 14, the provincial government revised its decision and announced that tuition will instead be increased to $12,000 per year with the additional requirement that 80 per cent of out-of-province and international students attain an intermediate level of French over the course of their studies. Although international students’ tuition will not be drastically affected, the Quebec government has imposed a minimum tuition fee of $20,000 per year and will claim a larger proportion of their fees going forward. The funds raised through the tuition hikes will be directed toward francophone universities in the province to address the disequilibrium in funding between them and anglophone universities.

In the last few months, students have mobilized in response to these proposed changes. In the weeks leading up to the latest strike, six departmental student associations at McGill held general assemblies to vote on a strike motion. The Society of Undergraduate Mathematics Students and McGill Environment Students’ Society did not reach quorum. Of the associations that met quorum, the Department of English Student Association (DESA) and the McGill Biology Student Union (MBSU) voted in favour of a strike. Additionally, the McGill Undergraduate Geography Society and Music Undergraduate Students’ Association voted to strike if a minimum of 2,500 McGill students participated. These organizations did not go through with the strike as 1,195 McGill students ultimately joined the strike efforts. Both the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) and the Concordia Student Union (CSU) have a mandate to support student activism on campus and have been working with strikers.

At the March 13 demonstration, students voiced concerns over how the new tuition policies will affect McGill’s student demographic.

“I personally voted to strike because I’m very concerned about the impact that [the new tuition model] will have on the cultural fabric of McGill,” Nick Chow, MBSU Vice-President (VP) External, said to The Tribune. “I think that this will lead to McGill students becoming much wealthier on average and less diverse. And part of what makes McGill so fantastic is its incredible diversity of people from all around the world.”

Seyla Wickramasinghe, a U2 Representative for MBSU, added that the Quebec government’s justification for the new tuition policies seems not only discriminatory but logically inconsistent, given that only French and Belgian students are exempt from the new tuition model.

“I speak fluent French, and so does my brother because we grew up learning French in Ontario. But you don’t see that included or reflected in the tuition hikes. It’s like they forgot about every other province […] and every other country that speaks French,” Wickramasinghe said.

At a town hall meeting organized by the university on March 14, Provost Christopher Manfredi expressed similar apprehension.

“One of our biggest concerns is the impact that those changes might have on McGill’s DNA,” Manfredi said. “But I think [it’s a] challenge that we can meet.”

According to McGill media relations officer Frédérique Mazerolle, the university saw a seven per cent reduction in international applications and 22 per cent reduction in out-ofprovince applications this year compared to last year.

However, in his town hall presentation, Manfredi assured attendees that the university would work to protect McGill’s diversity by trying to maintain the same ratio of Quebecois students, out-of-province students, and international students as in past years. Moreover, he highlighted that McGill has created the Canada Award to offset the costs of tuition hikes for incoming out-of-province students in most programs.

In addition to potential impacts on the student demographic, Manfredi underlined that the new tuition model will have signifi-

cant consequences for McGill’s finances. Even with the cuts the university plans to make to its operating budget, Manfredi revealed that McGill expects to be in a budget deficit for the upcoming year.

“We simply cannot compress quickly enough without doing significant damage to our ability to deliver on our mission,” Manfredi stated.

On Feb. 23, McGill and Concordia filed separate lawsuits that contest the new tuition policies. Although the university does not dispute the government’s francization targets, McGill’s legal challenge argues that the tuition increases for out-of-province students and the change to the funding model for international students constitute discrimination according to both the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. McGill has asked that the two measures be suspended while the court considers the case.

Although McGill’s lawsuit and the student strike aim to achieve the same goal, Mazerolle told The Tribune that McGill will not take a position on last week’s strike.

“The University does not and will not take a position on the cause on which students might decide not to attend classes because of civic engagement from time-to-time,” Mazerolle wrote.

President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini warned students against using hard picketing tactics and blocking entry to university buildings after a pro-Palestinian protest closed access to the Bronfman building on Feb. 22.

“The University’s protocol for dealing with protest-related disruptions and misconduct, where non-violent, calls first for efforts to de-escalate the situation through a dialogue between a university official and the protesters […] if protesters or demonstrators refuse to allow university activities to continue, the University will not hesitate to call on civil authorities to take action as they deem appropriate,” Saini wrote in the email to the McGill community.

Both DESA and MBSU ultimately implemented a soft picketing strategy, encouraging students to picket their classes without blocking entry to buildings. Vikram Nathan, President of MBSU, explained that the association chose not to picket graded labs or classes that were unavailable online in order to minimize academic repercussions for students.

“Our intention wasn’t to sabotage anyone’s learning,” Nathan said.

Most student associations at Concordia took a different approach, choosing to block entry to classes in order to create as much disruption as possible. Hannah Jackson, the External Affairs and Mobilization Coordinator for the CSU, defended students’ decision to implement a hard picket.

“In my personal opinion, there’s no such thing as soft picketing. If you’re not blocking a class, you’re just doing a demonstration,” Jackson said. “I’m encouraging people to be a little bit braver than they want to be [….] If no one goes to class, or no one crosses the picket line, then there’s no way that a professor can issue an academic penalty.”

Daniel Gonzalez, one of the organizers of the strike at Concordia, added that hard pickets are more effective at garnering attention and that this difference in tactics may help explain Concordia’s ability to effectively mobilize.

SSMU VP External Liam Gaither noted thawt Concordia’s history of political activism may explain why there was more support for the strike at Concordia compared to McGill.

“We don’t have the same strike culture that has been built up over decades of student mobilization in contrast to campuses like UQAM and Concordia […] and it’s hard to mobilize people for a strike when they’ve never heard of it or done it before,” Gaither said. “The strike is like any other muscle, we need to exercise it in order to strengthen it.”

Similarly, Chow questioned if continued strikes were worthwhile at McGill.

“I think for there to be real change and a sustained strike, there needs to be more support from both the administration and from other departments. Biology and English can’t do it alone,” Chow said.

Natasha Kinne, Co-President of DESA, said that her association is considering further strike initiatives but is also preparing to pursue other forms of activism. For example, DESA is planning to write an open letter with faculty condemning the tuition hikes.

Concordia organizers, however, said they planned to double down on strike initiatives and urged students to join them. Gonzalez told The Tribune that he was optimistic that the student strikes would eventually be successful.

“I think it’s really impressive that we managed to get so much mobilization happening in just five months,” Gonzalez said. “I can’t wait to see where this movement goes from here.”

Last week’s strike saw more than double the number of students participate compared to the three-day strike over tuition hikes in February. (Maïa Salhofer / The Tribune)

McGill Grad Students for Palestine call on donors to withhold gifts to university over complicity in Israeli siege on Gaza Announcement comes days before annual McGill24 fundraiser

Jasjot Grewal News Editor

Continued from page 1.

McGill Grad Students for Palestine explained the reasoning behind their campaign against donations to The Tribune , explaining that McGill continues to hold over $20 million in direct and indirect investments in companies complicit in the Israeli regime, while Israeli forces have “systematically destroyed” all universities

and healthcare in Gaza.

“[O]ne thing that other movements have taught us is that [the McGill administration] only truly cares if something becomes disruptive to their bank accounts, their day-to-day operations, or their public reputations,” they wrote. “Since the fall, and in particular after the Bronfman Blockade, many alumni reached out to tell us they had stopped donating to McGill. This letter is an attempt to document the decisions students and alumni were making, to encourage more people to participate, and to show the university that there are consequences for continuing to ignore what the community has so clearly and loudly called for.”

McGill Grad Students for Palestine asserted that they have yet to see a response from the university over the open letter, but they remain impressed and inspired by the

number of students, alumni, and faculty that have signed the letter. As of March 18, over 1200 people have signed on.

“We know they’ve seen it [....] We would like to see a real response from McGill, but mostly we’re looking forward to hearing from more students and alumni. McGill admin doesn’t speak for the whole McGill community and this letter is a good reminder of that,” they wrote.

Students for Justice in Palestine McGill wrote in a statement to The Tribune that they fear McGill will not divest, and will instead continue to support entities that work to kill Palestinians.

“McGill continue to show its cowardice in the face of the challenging of its views. We fear McGill will try to change its views on Palestine at the last possible second after its dollars and stances have killed thousands more lives. The other fear is that our university will indefinitely continue to use our tuition to kill our families and infringe on the academic freedoms of Palestinian students both at McGill and in Palestine,” they wrote.

Mazerolle asserted that McGill’s investments are in line with the United Nations–supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), and that 99 per cent of the McGill Invest Pool’s assets are

managed by the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

“As for the open letter, it is important to note that McGill does not invest in individual stocks or companies, but rather hires external fund managers to select investments for mandates in segregated accounts and in pooled funds, the composition of which changes continuously,” Mazerolle wrote.

While McGill24 is over, McGill Grad Students for Palestine hope that people continue to compel the university to divest from an apartheid state, as they did forty years prior. In 1985, McGill was the first Canadian university to decide to divest from all corporations with investments in South Africa.

“Widespread divestment from apartheid in South Africa played an essential role in the downfall of that regime, and this proactive stance is now a source of pride for many in the McGill community,” they wrote. “This happened because of the hard work of student activists who continue to inspire us.

McGill administration needs to understand they are currently faced with a very similar choice about whether they once again want to be on the right side of history.”

McGill Grad Students for Palestine drafted the open letter on March 2. (James Knechtel / The Tribune)

Montreal feminist network speaks about organizing collectively and intersectional feminism

QPIRG-McGill and SSMU co-hosted the two-hour event

Jasjot Grewal News Editor

On March 14, the Quebec Public Interest Research Group (QPIRG) at McGill and the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) hosted Women of Diverse Origins (WDO-FDO) for an event titled “Are You Outraged? Organize Collectively: A History of Women of Diverse Origins and the Militant Women’s Movement in Montreal-Tio’tia:ke and beyond.” The two-hour workshop drew nearly two dozen students, with WDO-FDO organizers Zaïnab El Guerrab, Dolores Chew, and Dina El Sabbagh leading the discussion.

The event began with a presentation from El Guerrab, in which she outlined the history of WDO-FDO. The organization brings together networks of grassroots antiimperialist women’s groups and consists of women of diverse ethnicities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations who unite in their “struggles against patriarchy, racism, capitalism, colonialism, fascism, and imperialism.”

“Colonialism and racism didn’t stop during the pandemic,” El Guerrab said. “Women are still resisting war, colonialism, and capitalism, and [now] we are united in demanding justice, equality, quality, and integration [....] These [global struggles] are a

reflection of how we take both current and global struggles, and we try to bring them here.”

WDO-FDO is a member of several international alliances, including the International Women’s Alliance, the International Migrants Alliance, and the International League of Peoples’ Struggle. El Guerrab also shared that WDO-FDO has organized activities to mark International Women’s Day, March 8, since its inception in 2002 and remains involved in various other initiatives throughout the year, such as showing solidarity with Palestine, fighting militarization, and participating in “Don’t Touch Syria” protests in 2017.

“Whether it’s snowing, whether it’s a global warming winter, [...] we take the streets, but we are also very keen to learn and to share our learnings and to speak up,” El Guerrab said. “Reading lineages between different groups, different struggles, finding ways to strategize, to learn from each other.”

The workshop then turned to an openfloor discussion with the audience members, in which attendees were encouraged to ask questions. Alex*, an attendee and WDO-FDO member, encouraged audience members to share their own experiences of being outraged over the patriarchy. Alex also emphasized the inclusive nature of the

organization, recalling their own experience joining WDO-FDO after just moving to Montreal.

“Because of this perspective that FDO has, that they welcome people, regardless of how long they’ve been around,” Alex said. “It allows someone like me to take over an elder who was previously involved. So I think those principles are what guide the day-to-day work. So that when objective conditions change, individuals fall sick, or they move or something else happens, the work still persists.”

El Guerrab hopes that students will see the importance of taking collective action in the face of a capitalist system that encourages separation and competition.

“[Thinking and acting collectively] offers these kinds of fresh air to think differently and try to build in an anti-imperialist, feminist, anti-racist [space],” El Guerrab said.

In an inter-

view with The Tribune after the event, Chew explained that she enjoys coming to the McGill campus to engage with students of all ages who have never heard of WDOFDO and to reflect on how far she’s come from when she was a student and later a secretary at McGill.

“Looking at faces with people who are in their twenties and remembering myself at that time [...] what a great impression it made on me to hear women who were older, who had been doing things, and like thinking, ‘Oh, really, that can be done. I can do it,’” Chew said.

Food Security Summit fosters collaboration between student food advocacy groups

Event explores history of food mobilization on campus to empower future students

Eliza Lee News Editor

Representatives from student groups across campus and beyond gathered in the University Centre for a Food Security Summit on March 15 to discuss ways to improve the sustainability, accessibility, and affordability of food systems at McGill. The summit included presentations, “visioning sessions” where attendees exchanged ideas on discussion questions in smaller groups, and a free lunch.

The summit was organized by McGill senators, representatives from the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), members of food advocacy groups, and Let’s Eat McGill. Let’s Eat McGill representative and SSMU Nursing Senator Naomi Pastrana Mankovitz moderated the event, beginning with a land acknowledgement. She then defined what achieving food security looks like—all community members having “stable access to affordable, fulfilling food that is nutritious, where no student minimizes or cuts meals because of cost or insufficient options.”

In an interview with The Tribune, Pastrana Mankovitz highlighted that knowledge transmission was a key motivation for organizing the event. The choice to incorporate both presentations and discussions from and between attendees was a way of spurring collaboration and ensuring future generations of students have a base to build upon when discussing food insecurity.

“We don’t want this research that we’ve done over the years just to be lost and [future

students to have to] start from scratch,” Pastrana Mankovitz said. “I wanted at this event for people to be aware of what’s already been done, and what the history is, so that we [don’t] start from scratch.”

Representatives from various groups present at the summit—including Midnight Kitchen and the Student Nutrition and Accessibility Club—then gave brief updates about their work during this academic year. Associate director of Student Housing and Hospitality Services (SHHS) Zach Suhl also addressed attendees, explaining that although students have expressed that they felt SHHS did not listen to their concerns, he is committed to maintaining greater transparency with them.

“I can promise you that I will work as best I can to support all the groups and to support students being able to eat affordably on campus,” Suhl said.

Following this, Pastrana Mankovitz gave a short presentation on the history of student advocacy for food security at McGill. She noted that during the 2000s, student societies, such as the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) and Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS), managed their own cafeterias, cafes, and vending machines. Around 2007 and 2008, the university strategically took over many of these spaces and privatized them despite student resistance. This included the work of the Coalition for Action on Food Services—a group of students, staff, and faculty advocating for a food system founded upon input from the entire McGill community. Pastrana Mankovitz explained that since then,

every few years “there’s been waves of student uprising” advocating for improved food security. However, each time, the movement loses momentum when organizers graduate.

Two student groups also presented projects under the Integrated Management Student Fellowship (IMSF) relating to food security, each echoing the importance of knowledge transmission and collaboration. The Food Fighters discussed their proposal to create a McGill Food Coalition (MFC) to coordinate efforts between student groups on campus. The group also described a proposal for creating a community kitchen for students to use on campus.

companies, it’s important [...] to inspire future efforts and further empower students who might wanna start their own co-op or cafe.”

A second group of students called Food First presented their plans to create a guidebook—which is currently available as a draft version—to institutionalize the knowledge gathered by student activism and make it more accessible. Catherine Chen, U3 Management and member of Food First, spoke about using the history of mobilization at McGill to empower students in an interview with The Tribune

“[My group] noticed that when we entered McGill, we just sort of accepted how it was as the norm [...] the lack of non-corporatized cafes on campus,” Chen said. “Knowing that it used to be all student-run or used to be run by different

Sam Liptay, U3 Science, attended the summit as a representative for the Macdonald Student-run Ecological Gardens. Liptay explained in an interview with The Tribune that one reason he came out to the event was to bring his perspective as a food producer to larger conversations about food security.

“I think it’s really interesting to see all the different levels at which people are working with food, whether it’s making it, growing it, supplying it or processing it [...] or even people doing waste diversion,” Liptay said. “And understanding these problems are all part of one system that different people in the food system can contribute to in different ways.”

Representatives from Frigo Vert at Concordia and MealCare McGill were also present at the event. (Yoojung Kim / The Tribune)

WTO-FDO partners with the South Asian Women’s Community Centre for Montreal events. (Abby Zhu / The Tribune)

Yusur

A functioning democracy at SSMU depends on student engagement

The Tribune Editorial Board

On Mar. 11, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) opened voting for their Winter 2024 referendum and 2024 Executive Elections. Three candidates ran unopposed for the vice president (VP) positions of Sustainability and Operations, Undergraduate Affairs, and Internal, and two outstanding vacancies mark this semester’s ballot: SSMU President and VP Finance. Elections SSMU announced on Mar. 15 that only seven per cent of SSMU members, fewer than half of the votes required to reach the quorum of 15 per cent minimum participation, voted in the first four days—one third of the entire voting period. This lack of engagement is concerning, especially when this referendum will determine whether essential student organizations like the Black Students’ Network, Arab Students’ Network, WALKSAFE, and Queer Equity Support receive necessary fee increases. Moreover, with the Legal Clinic at McGill on the ballot for a fee renewal, the existence of its services is at stake. Overall, McGill students’ apathy toward and lack of trust of SSMU threaten the existence of the

already-weakening student union and undermine its vital function of providing student services and platforming students’ voices. To improve its relationship with the student body, SSMU must increase transparency and make significant efforts to productively and visibly engage with SSMU members.

SSMU serves an essential role: It advocates for student causes, facilitates necessary services, and governs student life. As McGill repeatedly fails to properly address student needs, SSMU often steps in to provide important services such as the Menstrual Health Project, Grocery Program, and Health and Dental Plan. SSMU also supports vital initiatives for student rights and against sexual violence. Moreover, executives and student senators are the only student voices on the McGill Senate and the SSMU President sits on the Board of Governors, an appointmentbased council with the highest authority over university affairs and McGill’s finances, including the University’s endowment. The Students’ Society also plays a key role in independent activism, tackling food and housing insecurity and racial justice. This year, SSMU employees have accomplished important work with the Concordia Student Union,

mobilizing necessary student demonstrations against Quebec’s tuition hikes.

McGill students’ longstanding scepticism toward SSMU continues to grow and the organization restricts its own function by failing to address students’ lack of participation. SSMU’s general assemblies struggle to reach quorum, and only a fraction of students vote in elections. Eighty per cent of voters rejected the SSMU base fee increase while 78.7 per cent of voters supported the Policy Against Genocide in Palestine, indicating that SSMU engagement emerges from students’ dedication to social justice causes and successful campaigning from student activists.

Students’ hesitancy to participate in our democracy stems from structural issues at SSMU. Budget constraints and vacant positions force SSMU executives and employees to take on extra work, which only increases in situations such as this year’s VP Finance resigning before the Fall semester started. Lawsuits against SSMU redirect its funds from student services to legal fees and compel students to question whether the organization is properly addressing their legal issues. In November, when B’nai

Lessons from the hunt

Mason Bramadat Photo Editor

It was on my first hunt, six years ago, that a bear charged me. I was pretending to be a moose. My dad and I were crossing the Secret River, deep in Yukon Territory’s wilderness, in our motorboat. It was the first evening of the hunt, and we wanted to explore the shore opposite our camp. Stepping onto the sandy bank, we saw a fresh set of moose tracks. I followed Dad’s gaze, quietly learning from his 30 years of experience hunting in this habitat. I noticed willow branches with nibbled ends, trees with their

bark rubbed off, tufts of wiry fur stuck on twigs, and giant piles of chocolate-covered-almond-looking droppings—all signs that we were in this elusive species’ territory.

Dad motioned for me to give a call, so I cupped my hands to my mouth and emitted a guttural “oo-uua”, mimicking a bull, or male, moose. Silence fell, just for a second—then, the violent cacophony of a large animal crashing toward us through the woods. My mind raced as I loaded my rifle. If it was a bull—identifiable by its antlers—I planned to bring it down with the perfect shot, just like I had rehearsed in the months leading up to the hunt. We’d bring home enough meat to feed our family for over a year.

But out of the woods, barrelling right at us, came a black bear! Thankfully, it stopped fifteen feet away, but my heart jumped to my mouth as I looked for its next move. I breathed a great sigh of relief when it bolted back into the forest. Dad and I grinned at each other. What an epic start to the hunt!

Only one minute later, I was rushing to load a bullet into the chamber again. A bull moose, onshore just ahead of us! I tucked the rifle into the crook of my

Brith backed a McGill student’s attack on the Policy Against Genocide in Palestine in provincial court and delayed its ratification, students protested the lack of transparency and accountability in the SSMU executives’ handling of the legal injunction. SSMU’s opacity remains a clear obstacle. Although executives are bound to confidentiality in many legal and financial proceedings, SSMU consistently fails to keep students informed on what goes on in their executive meetings.

While McGill fights the teaching assistants, and law and education professors in their attempts to organize and negotiate liveable wages and working conditions, SSMU must build structural improvements to better represent and support its members. Encouraging multiple students to run for every position is a necessary step in building a stronger democracy. When SSMU does so and continues organizing and standing for student democracy, even against threats from the McGill administration, it will regain students’ trust. Students also must continue using the levers of SSMU’s democracy and keep raising their concerns through elections, at meetings, and during demonstrations.

shoulder and rested my elbow on the side of the boat. Big mistake. I couldn’t get the moose in my sights because the gunwales rocked too much. “Shoot! Shoot Mase, shoot!” urged Dad’s strained voice. But I couldn’t risk a bad shot that might just wound the animal. I wanted my performance to be perfect. I lifted my elbow and held the rifle freehand. By the time I found my crosshairs, the moose had trotted off into the trees, gone. Maybe our only opportunity for success, and I had failed.

I couldn’t fall asleep that night in our tent, tossing and turning in my embarrassment. Dad’s voice ricocheted around my head, urging me to shoot. Eventually, I drifted off to the sound of wolves howling in the distance.

I carried that feeling downriver for the next three days of our trip. Prowling through the golden autumn forest, every falling leaf sounded like hoofsteps. Around each riverbend, clusters of ancient driftwood appeared in the distance, shining like antlers. Trudging through the river’s maze of sloughs, every mountainous pile of fresh droppings brought a new opportunity to redeem myself.

The fourth evening, Dad called

a bull to within 10 feet of us. In the three seconds I took to line up a shot, the moose got spooked and ran. A second chance, gone again. By some miracle, we saw another bull on our way back to camp. It was 300 yards away, quite the distance, and I was trembling. I whispered “no shot”, and Dad dropped it with two perfectly placed rounds. He smiled, we shook hands, and three days of tension melted from my body. When we got to the moose, we nestled our hands into its warm fur and thanked it for its life. Our family is forever indebted to this animal––it helped nourish and build us.

Looking back, I realize how great a learning experience the hunt had been. It is easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself when the stakes feel high. And when doing important work, being diligent is essential. I now see the private lessons it offered, which for years after I had been too self-absorbed to understand. When I missed my shots, the hunt asked me to accept my own inexperience with humility. It told me to be patient with myself and to focus on growth instead of perfection. Most importantly, it gave me gratitude for the land’s precious gifts, black bears included.

Kiran Gill Staff Writer

As a graduating student, reading break was an opportunity for me to reflect on my time at McGill. After a few moments of thought, I realized that I could not recall a significant amount of what I had learned in the last four years. This is emblematic not just of my poor memory but of the systemic problem with universities like McGill. Rather than teaching us how to develop our own critical thinking skills, postsecondary institutions venerate the thought of academics. A university education should teach students how to think, instead of what to think.

In 1968, Paulo Freire published Pedagogy of the Oppressed , which remains one of the most poignant critiques of teaching practices. Freire wrote from his perspective as a mass educator who grew up during the Brazilian Revolution. He observed how pedagogy often failed the individuals whom it purported to uplift. The problem with the pedagogy that most of us are exposed to at McGill is that it does not empower us. Instead, institutionalized education

COMMENTARY

Yusur Al-Sharqi Staff Writer

In the past decade alone, numerous fan-favourite books have gone from receiving public adoration to being utterly despised. Many critics of the bestselling novel The Help, in which a white woman depicts the lives of Black maids, have accused author Kathryn Stockett of perpetuating stereotypes and exploiting antiBlack racism, prompting the question: Who is allowed to tell what story? Chinese author R.F. Kuang thrusts this issue into the spotlight with her latest novel, Yellowface, where she writes from the perspective of a racist white woman, June. June steals her deceased Chinese friend’s manuscript and publishes it as her own, facing criticism and violent hate from readers who accuse her of appropriation. Ironically, Kuang is also writing from a perspective that is not her own—so what is the difference? Is it fair to say that only white authors cannot tell the stories of characters outside their race? The problem lies not with white authors telling the stories of racialized individuals but with readers’ reliance on white perspectives as guide maps of allyship.

While readers and publishers have debated what constitutes of-

McGill students need a greater role in their own learning

tends to follow what Freire calls the “banking model of education,” in which teachers treat students as vessels that need to be filled with knowledge. This involves little participation from students, who leave industrial-style education with a set of socially acceptable values and a stunted sense of critical thinking. The banking model teaches students how to adjust to the world, rather than to be active participants in it.

From a pedagogical perspective, my education at McGill has been disappointing. The majority of my instruction has revolved around massive lecture halls, droning professors, and an abysmal level of student participation. I was taught how to appease the university system. I cultivate relationships with teaching assistants and curate skimmable essays that cater to their lack of paid working hours. I write essays that placate professors’ perspectives and regurgitate lecture slides for midterms. While the aforementioned skills represent the cultural and social capital necessary to succeed at McGill, they hold little value outside of the Roddick Gates. If the university’s goal is to advance the learning of its students, it is woe-

fully failing.

Clearly, we should be moving away from the banking model. To improve, educational institutions need to examine their purpose and deficiencies. Our schooling system revolves around teachers providing students with information, which creates a dynamic where students view teachers as the vanguard of knowledge. Instead of reinforcing hierarchies, schools should promote diverse perspectives, most importantly from students, because education focused on students has the potential to address inequities. Racialized students in Canada have long participated in an educational system that does not validate their histories and cultures. This is because our schooling system forces students to conform to the dominant white culture—not to mention the harm residential schools and settler colonialism have done in excluding Indigenous forms of learning from institutionalized teaching. Educators dictating the “correct” interpretation or understanding of information inherently invalidates diverse perspectives. Currently, educational institutions reproduce inequities instead of ameliorating them. A better edu-

cation for all requires everyone to see and hear themselves in their education. Within the specific context of McGill, there is potential for progress toward a better pedagogy. One of the easiest changes to implement would be greater student participation in all courses. Instead of delivering didactic lectures, instructors should structure more classes around seminars that encourage diverse student perspectives. In terms of assessment, testing needs to emphasize critical and creative engagement, as opposed to the ability to follow instructions. Most importantly, we need to abolish hierarchies in the

classroom, ensuring that no one individual’s opinion is valued over another. The elimination of hierarchies is difficult, but it begins with teachers recognizing students as intellectual equals. My suggestions may appear drastic, but if our learning is as important as McGill claims it is, change is necessary. When knowledge is dispensed like candy, it becomes nearly impossible to create selfreflective and pro-active people. If education is going to change lives, it must be personalized instead of being commercialized, and the best way to do that is through the empowerment of students in their own learning.

The Help, Yellowface, and the case against literary gatekeeping

fensive literature, the stories that rise to the top are those that seem to address racism but are actually perpetuating white saviourism. The controversy surrounding The Help, for instance, stems not from the fact that it depicts Black women as domestic workers in the 1960s or from the writing style or entertainment value of the book. The problem is that many readers come to rely on stories like this—white-washed, watered-down depictions of racism—to engage with the greater systemic problem, all the while failing to confront the very real, very aggressive nature of racism.

The oppression of the maids in The Help—which mirrors the racism and sexism that Black women have faced for centuries and continue to experience today––portrays white people as saviours of Black women. Perhaps if Kathryn Stockett had questioned whether her work truly eased the suffering of the oppressed community she wrote of, her story would have unfolded quite differently. Instead, it merely uses the oppression of Black women as a means of glorifying nice white characters––an exploitative method. These kinds of stories alleviate white guilt by fostering the illusion that pitying racialized individuals is a form of allyship. They take the very real

and deeply devastating experiences of racism and package them as entertainment—as feel-good stories that only feel good for white audiences.

To say, however, that white writers, or any writer, should refrain from writing about any characters outside of their own identity perpetuates an understanding of race as natural, rather than socially constructed. Would it be better for white authors to write stories that only contain white characters and neglect diversity entirely? Surely not. Telling white authors that they cannot write these books does not address the underlying issue of why they feel compelled to do so in often offensive ways or why white readers are drawn to these kinds of stories in the first place. It also brings about another issue, as Yellowface author Kuang has discussed, of “pigeonholing” racialized authors, pressuring them to tell the stories of their own oppression and gatekeeping the exploratory nature of storytelling. Clearly, censorship will not solve this complex issue.

So what is the solution? As some writers propose, perhaps the answer lies not in banning these books or prohibiting white authors from writing about Black characters but in embracing, exploring,

and amplifying books by racialized authors, including and especially those which do not centre around oppression. Instead of relying solely on white narrators, who often keep the topic of racism at a “comfortable” level, to engage with non-white stories, readers ought to work against their white fragility and dive deeper into the subject matter outside of fiction. This does not imply that white writers are incapable of portraying racialized characters authentically, nor does it mean that all stories about racialized communities must revolve around their oppression. It simply means that white narrators who wish to write about racism should not be the only source of antiracism learning that readers rely on because, too

often, their depictions do not come close to the reality of systemic oppression. By supporting and advocating for racialized authors, we can actively challenge the existing power structures within the literary world and pave the way for more genuine storytelling.

Hierarchies in education need to be dismantled. (Mason Bramadat / The Tribune)

How Augmented Reality technology could transform food quality

Review study highlights the benefits and potential implications of AR in food quality inspections.

K. Coco Zhang Science & Technology Editor

Continued from page 1.

Rapid technological advancements have transformed numerous industries, including the field of food quality assessment. Augmented Reality (AR)—a technology that allows digital images and information to be projected onto the real-world environment—has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance food inspections and evaluations.

In a recent paper, Jacob Liberty, PhD student in McGill’s Department of Bioresource Engineering, and his team explored AR technology and its applications in food quality and safety assessment.

Food quality assessments serve to systematically evaluate potential hazards associated with food products. These assessments aim to identify and analyze health risks posed by factors such as harmful bacteria, chemical contaminants, or other substances.

In the traditional food quality assessment process, sensory panelists or consumers perform a sensory evaluation of food products.

“This evaluation focuses on various sensory attributes such as appearance, aroma, taste, texture, and overall

palatability,” Liberty wrote in an email to The Tribune. “Sensory evaluation provides valuable insights into the [sensory] properties of food products, helping to assess their quality, acceptability, and consumer preferences.”

Although well-established, the traditional food quality assessment process is vulnerable to errors due to the inherent subjectivity of sensory evaluations.

However, AR technology provides an innovative and alternative approach to the sensory evaluation process, improving its efficiency, accuracy, and objectivity.

“AR-enhanced sensory evaluation provides standardized assessments based on objective attributes such as colour, texture, and flavour, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of food quality assessments,” Liberty wrote.

Another concern with traditional methods is the lack of transparency around information about food products, including their ingredients, sourcing, production process, and sustainability.

The majority of consumers called for more transparency in the food industry and expressed concerns about food safety and quality.

“[These] concerns have increased due to incidents of foodborne illnesses,

contamination, and fraud, [so] consumers want assurance that the food products they purchase are safe, authentic, and of high quality,” Liberty wrote.

In addition to food safety concerns, the growing interest in sustainability and ethical sourcing practices has led to a higher demand for traceability in the food supply chain. This increased attention drives consumers to seek information about the environmental and social impact of their food choices.

AR technology offers innovative solutions to enhance transparency by providing consumers with instantaneous information about the food they consume, including its source, production methods, and quality attributes.

“By providing consumers with access to transparent and traceable information through AR technology, food producers and suppliers can build trust, foster brand loyalty, and meet the evolving expectations of the modern consumer,” Liberty wrote.

Furthermore, the traditional food quality assessment process lacks realtime precision—the immediate and accurate identification of food safety and quality issues, which can lead to delays in addressing these problems.

By contrast, AR allows real-time precision through the use of AR-enabled smart glasses. Equipped with built-in

cameras and sensors, these glasses can provide inspectors with hands-free access to critical information and tools during food quality inspections. For example, they can overlay digital information, such as product specifications and inspection checklists, onto the inspector’s field of view in real-time.

“This allows inspectors to quickly identify defects, contamination, and quality issues while maintaining efficiency and accuracy,” Liberty wrote.

Despite the benefits of AR technology, its implementation in food quality assessment requires careful consideration of various ethical and regulatory factors to ensure responsible and compliant use.

“AR technology relies on accu-

rate and reliable data inputs to generate meaningful insights. [Therefore,] food producers and suppliers need to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data sources used in AR applications to prevent misleading or erroneous outcomes that could compromise consumer safety and trust,” Liberty wrote.

Liberty also points to the importance of ensuring consumer education, regulatory compliance, bias mitigation, and privacy protection during the implementation of AR technology.

By addressing these considerations, the stakeholders can harness the transformative potential of AR technology in food quality assessment while ensuring ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

As of 2023, there are 1.4 billion Augmented Reality user devices in active use. This figure is expected to increase to 17.3 billion in 2024. (Mason Bramadat / The Tribune)

What nurses have to say about healthcare for the underprivileged

The need for healthcare reform and in shelters is not accurately portrayed in Canada

Daniel Pyo Contributor

We often take many aspects of our lives for granted. Among these are access to healthcare, a place to stay permanently, and a safe and stable home, which are all critical for a healthy and prosperous life. However, many people lack access to these necessities.

Overlooking the improvement plan for greater access to healthcare in vulnerable communities,

McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing (ISoN) opened an on-site nursing service at a large homeless shelter called Accueil Bonneau near the Old Port area of Montreal in 2021.

Amid this initiative, Molly Korab, a registered nurse (RN) in Internal Medicine and a research leader at ISoN, has pursued an interview-based qualitative project to encompass the perspectives of frontline shelter staff regarding the health needs of the unhoused population.

This study aims to shape service development and expand the existing literature on frontline shelter staff’s perspectives in informing the development of health services for the unhoused.

“I was passionately seeking to

communicate with shelter staff oneon-one in order to gain a thorough understanding of the nursing service needs and determine the potential contributions that the McGill clinics can provide,” Korab said in an interview with The Tribune

To understand the reasons behind the challenges faced by people living in shelters, nurses interviewed unhoused clients and shelter staff to translate their personal stories into actionable issues to be addressed. Among the many anecdotes, one common theme emerged: Unhoused people prioritize addressing their basic needs like food, shelter, and survival before focusing on healthcare.

The root cause of many health issues often stems from experiencing any form of homelessness. A higher share of unhoused Canadians have poor mental health than the overall population does, primarily due to the lack of constant personal healthcare and the issues that arise from these instabilities. Consequently, the stigma surrounding healthcare in this population has intensified, further exacerbating the already poor health outcomes experienced by these individuals.

“I think that hospitals are also stretched thin [as a result of COVID-

19]. We see it in the media. And I think that [makes] the hospitals less patient with our clientele,” one of the shelter staff highlighted during her interview with Korab for this project.

Due to staff shortages and intermittent absence of on-site nursing, medical referrals to these services decreased even after the pandemic. The fluctuating presence of on-site nursing services and the turnover of frontline staff led to a decline in health referrals to doctors, even as staffing rates slowly returned to levels seen before the pandemic.

“For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals who were not well-connected with the healthcare system faced difficulties in accessing necessary medical care,” Korab explained.

Amid these shortages, the remaining nurses were on the frontlines fighting for their everyday lives. Currently, nurses are urging for better conditions to reduce the strain on healthcare staff and the unhoused population. This includes improved hygiene assistance on-site, narrowing frontline staff knowledge gaps, and reducing administrative barriers.

“I strongly believe in highlighting and valuing the voices of those who are actively involved in

this. Whether it’s community nurses, shelter staff, or individuals without homes, I believe the idea of frontline healthcare workers has somewhat disappeared recently,” Korab said.

Meeting the unique needs of the unhoused population requires collaboration between healthcare and community service providers.

As Korab highlighted, it is important to create a safe environment where unhoused individuals can build trust and develop long-lasting relation-

ships. To effectively serve this population, health systems should prioritize easy access to primary care and community-based services.

In the meanwhile, Korab advocates for the endless possibilities that nursing research offers to improve healthcare and protect our rights to quality care. By encouraging more nurses to participate in research, we can continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and ensure that healthcare remains a fundamental right for all individuals.

An investigation into the lack of diversity within McGill professors and staff

Persistent obstacles for faculty of colour strain students, research, and the university

Written by Caroline Sun, News Editor, Design by Zoe Dubin, Design Editor

During my time at McGill, the professors I’ve had have been predominantly white.

In my first semester at McGill, I did not have any professors of colour. During a class that semester, I remember having a McGill woman of colour professor give us a guest lecture. The feeling I had after the lecture was indescribable. It felt as if I had been waiting for this event for a very long time.

The realization that most of my professors are white came to me relatively quickly after the start of my university career. Throughout my two years at McGill, I have felt that other students surely shared similar sentiments: A revelation, a breath of fresh air, confusion about why we didn’t see the issue sooner, and a curiosity to delve deeper.

As a political science and sociology student, diversity within the universities’ faculties was often a topic of class discussions. And, as someone deeply interested in understanding the broad patterns that structure people’s lives and affairs on campus, I wanted to hear from McGill professors about their experience working within the faculty. But first, I did some digging to find data on the racial and ethnic makeup of McGill’s professor population.

Stats about diversity in McGill professors

McGill published a Biennial Report on Employment Equity in 2023. In this report, McGill presents data regarding the number of staff members and faculty categories, such as “Indigenous,” “Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities,” and “Ethnic Minorities/First Language Learned.”

According to the report, 45.2 per cent of professors who answered the survey consider themselves as a “racialized person” or a “visible minority.” 3.2 per cent of respondents self-describe as “Indigenous,” and another 3.2 per cent deem themselves to belong in the “ethnic minorities/ first language learned” category.

In an email to The Tribune , Tynan Jarett, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), stated that the report follows the definition for ethnic minorities used in the Act Respecting Equal Access to Employment in Public Bodies in Quebec.

“[The category “ethnic minorities”] is designed to be mutually exclusive from the grouping for racialized persons and for Indigenous persons, so in essence it refers to a white person who speaks a language other than French or English among their first languages learned,” wrote Jarett.

These statistics led me to believe that McGill seems to be making decent progress in promoting diversity within its faculty, despite the dismally low number of Indigenous professors and staff. However, the interviews I conducted with

professors offered a more layered and comprehensive perspective on the way that McGill and comparable universities need to work to be truly diverse.

For this piece, I emailed 23 professors of various departments and faculties—including some who are no longer teaching at McGill and one who is on sabbatical—to ask whether they would be available to speak to me about their experience teaching at McGill. I got responses from eight and interviewed five of them.

None of the professors I interviewed stated that they had experienced a conflict at McGill, whether with another professor, member of the administration, staff, or student, where they felt that the dispute was rooted in racism. However, professors explained that they believed there were problems with the status quo, including a lack of transparency concerning administrative decisions, the obvious lack of Black professors in their department, or the additional physical and emotional labour that professors of colour carry. Such results suggest a subtle denial of racism within the university’s administration.

Speaking with Professors

The first professor I interviewed, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed that their biggest concern is the lack of representation for people of colour in the administration, which has control over decisions concerning appointing professors to the departmental chair and dean.

“I call it an old boys’ club. I think the problem is [that] this is really the right way to say how the univer sities make their own de cisions.”

They also stated that he sat on a depart mental EDI Commit tee, where members gave the department suggestions as to how to create a safer and more inclusive working environment within the university for students, professors, and staff.

They explained that, because the budget was next to nothing, the committee did not take concrete actions toward their goal, other than selecting some students of colour for awards.

Later, I spoke with Tomoko Ohyama, a Japanese tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Biology. She was hired in 2017 and is the only woman of colour professor in the department. When asked how she felt about being the only woman of colour professor in biology, she said, “I didn’t think about [it] because, always, that’s the case.”

She pointed out the discrepancy between the composition of the student body and that of the faculty members at McGill, noting the lack of reflection in terms of gender, race, and ethnicity. To explain this, she hypothesized that the longterm nature of academic appointments means that the recent trends toward diversification in the student body will naturally change the demographics of students in graduate, doctorate, post-doc, and professor positions slowly and incrementally.

Such thoughts were echoed by Barry Eidlin, associate professor in the Department of Sociology, who stated that he believed the professor population at McGill was predominantly white.

“[McGill’s professor population]’s very white. I mean, academia is pretty white. And McGill’s pretty white [....] I wouldn’t say that McGill is especially white. I think academia is

was teaching at McGill.

The university developed the Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism after numerous groups, including the Black Students’ Network (BSN) and the McGill African Students’ Society, demanded redress against institutionalized forms of anti-Black racism following the murder of George Floyd.

The university set forth several goals for itself, including the hiring of 85 Black tenure-track or tenured professors by 2032, with an interim goal of reaching 40 professors by 2025. According to the university’s website, it has hired a total of 39 Black professors under the purview of this Action Plan as of now.

Terri Givens, a Black professor in the Department of Political Science and Associate Dean for Equity in the Faculty of Arts, stated in an interview with The Tribune that having professors of different racial, ethnic, and gender identities has an impact on the material that is taught in classes.

“[F]or students, they get excited when [when I teach the course] or they may think differently about a topic. And it’s not just for students [who are] Black and minority or women. It’s about everybody. All my students are learning something different and new when they walk into my classroom because I’m coming at it from a different perspective than the vast majority of their other professors.”

As former Provost Academic Lead and Advisor (PALA) on the Action Plan, Givens explained that having more professors of colour will ensure diversity in the production of knowledge and

Givens also described the invisible emotional labour that she has performed when, for example, speaking to other professors who might not understand the necessity of expanding the curriculum or transforming the way that courses are taught.

“What’s not so visible is what we’re talking about in terms of the curriculum, and making sure that all the faculty understand what it means to have a diverse McGill, and there’s always pushback. There’s always people who resist and say that, ‘Oh, why can’t we just have everything as the status quo?’ basically. And so that’s a lot of work and it’s a lot of what I call emotional labour.”

To this point, Eidlin added that professors of colour also perform more labour and committee work than their white colleagues, which impacts retention.

“The problem also lies in a retention question. The faculty of colour gets overburdened with service work. They often will get more students who will come to them for guidance advice, because the McGill student body is pretty diverse. So they sort of seek out these faculty of colour [....] That puts a toll both service-wise and emotionally and [professors of colour] become almost like a shock absorber.”

Speaking with a McGill student

After speaking with many professors, I decided that I also needed to hear a student’s perspective on the same topic. Nkwanzi Banage, a U2 Arts student studying political science and economics, is VP Advocacy of the BSN and works as a member of the Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) Equity Committee. For her, working to create a better academic environment has been a habit since high school, since a music teacher directing her school’s band wanted to play a song performed by minstrel bands in the United States. After Banage spoke with the teacher, who did not know about the music’s history, the teacher chose another piece for the band

“[I]t kind of illuminated something in my mind, saying, oh, in academic spaces, you have to advocate for yourself. And you have to sensitize people to these issues. Because sometimes people do things in good faith and just don’t know.”

At the same time as recognizing the effort the university has put in to improve, Banage also mentioned that small incidents such as the one she encountered in high school continue to happen at the university and are reminders of how things still need changing.

“The reality of McGill is that you’re facing these constant battles.”

Next Steps

The goal of this feature was to not only recognize the university’s ongoing need to address persisting inequalities on campus but also to offer a different perspective as to how it could continue its work in representation in faculties. While thinking about the next steps for the university, I spoke with Noelani Arista, an Indigenous associate professor in History and Classical Studies of Hawaiʻi and Director of the Indigenous Studies Program, who said that the category titled “Indigenous” has a tremendous amount of diversity within itself.

While the Canadian government, which officially recognizes three broad Indigenous categories named “First Nation,” “Inuit,” and “Métis,” this recognition may not foster a space for Indigenous diversity to permeate. Our conversation made me rethink whether the idea of diverse representation is based on a model based on a colonial order. Such an order allows those in power to define what diversity is and what diversity is sufficient.

In addition to rethinking the idea of diversity within universities’ staff and faculty and our Canadian society, I wish to propose some possible steps for McGill to take to promote racial and ethnic inclusion on campus.

First, as Eidlin and Givens pointed out, professor and student retention levels are a great indicator of how comfortable they are working and studying at McGill. However, to have good levels of retention, the administration must actively work toward improving the experiences of underrepresented groups, increasing the body of faculty of colour, and allowing undergraduate- and graduate-level students to see themselves as fitting within the community.

Second, creating more opportunities for professors and students to contribute and provide input in matters of hiring of faculty and positions within the administration, such as chairs and deans. The development of the Action Plan—created after consulting BSN and other groups—was a first step toward this end, but it was flawed in many ways as well. The university must expand its initiative beyond arbitrary timelines, include other systematically disadvantaged groups as well, and think intersectionally. McGill needs a systematic approach to diversifying at all echelons of the university, and the time to build is now.

Diversity dynamics: Exploring organizational diversity’s impact on minority recruitment legalization legalization

A recent field-based study analyzes the behaviour of job-seekers

Jenna Durante Contributor

Existing research in the field of psychology has shown that organizational diversity influences the work environment and the behaviours of individuals seeking employment opportunities. In a paper titled “A field study of the impacts of workplace diversity on the recruitment of minority group members,” Jordan Axt, assistant professor in McGill’s Department of Psychology, examined how subtle alterations in organizational diversity—the demographic makeup of a company’s workforce—influence the behaviour of job applicants, as well as the relationship between diversity and recruitment outcomes.

In his research, Axt explored how people form and express intergroup bias across various social domains, such as race, politics, religion, age, sexual orientation, and physical attractiveness. He looks at patterns of human behaviour in an experimental setting, and he also studied ways to measure and reduce intergroup bias.

Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study employed a field-based approach by creating a realistic-looking website for a technology startup company with virtual job open-

ings. Applicants were randomly assigned to view images showcasing differing levels of gender, racial, and ethnic diversity within the company’s workforce, with their responses providing insights into diversity cues.

This investigation relies on social identity theory, a prominent theory in social psychology that explores how an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by other people.

“[Social identity theory is] the extent to which people gain their identity from themselves and from group membership,” Axt explained in an interview with The Tribune

(Aaron D. Nichols, Jordan Act, Evelyn Gosnell, Dan Ariely, nature.com , https://rdcu.be/dBxyq , http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In the case of Axt’s study, social identity theory aims to provide explanations for the behaviour of applicants and their responses to different levels of group diversity. Individuals infer an organization’s values based on the representation of people from their own groups within it, influencing their willingness to apply.

To Axt’s surprise, the study’s findings revealed that changes in diversity representations did not significantly impact the demographics of job applicants.

However, analysis of the overall likelihood of opening the job ad link and initiating or completing an application across all applicants suggests that diverse representa-

tions across multiple dimensions may reinforce each other and enhance organizational appeal.

One explanation for the surprising trend reflects real-world situations and that practical concerns may take priority when seeking job employment.

“You’re just not paying attention to these types of things; you’re not really as focused on organizational diversity, or maybe the need to have a job outweighs any of your actual organizational diversity concerns,” Axt said.

The experiment highlights the significance of using a fieldbased approach, rather than relying on evidence from a laboratory setting. This involves creating real-world hypothetical scenarios by allowing participants to reflect on their hypothetical behaviours in the experiment.

According to Axt, the major limitation of the study comes from the fact that it took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the circumstances, all of the positions offered in the study were

remote. Consequently, it is uncertain how the dynamics of diversity perception and applicant behaviour might differ if the positions were in-person, where individuals would expect to interact directly with a more or less diverse workforce.

Overall, Axt emphasized that companies that aim to promote diversity in the workplace require more than surface-level representation. The discussion section of the study argues for companies to send stronger signals to effectively impact applicant behaviour.

“So, for example, is there equal representation of diversity across all levels? Is it only that the lower-level people show greater diversity? Is it the case that you have commitments financially to mentoring programs that are going to make it easier for people from stigmatized backgrounds to advance in this organization?” Axt stated. “The idea is that you can’t just put up some non-white faces and say, well, we’ve solved this problem.”

By looking at the effects of organizational diversity and its role in influencing minority job applicant recruitment, the research helps us address the issues in job hiring and focus on strategies to improve workplace diversity for the future.

The visible minority workforce grew rapidly in Canada from 2011 to 2016 and has been on a steady incline.

The 2024 Oscars were surprisingly well done

The best moments, memories, and lessons from cinema’s biggest night

Charlotte Hayes Staff Writer

Ageneral sense of nervous anticipation filled the air as the red carpet unfurled for the 96th annual Academy Awards. After a few years of less-thanstellar ceremonies, many worried that this was the beginning of the end for the Oscars. Much to the delight of movie lovers around the world, this year’s broadcast seems to have started a redemption arc. As a shining example of both professionalism and celebration, this telecast should serve as a blueprint for future Oscars.

The ever-changing first award sets the tone for the rest of the night, so it’s no surprise that the slot was given to the Best Supporting Actress category. With winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph heavily favoured for months in advance, the biggest surprise of the award was the style in which it was presented. For each acting award (Best Lead and Supporting Actor/Actress), a group of five previous winners each introduced one of the category’s nominees. This presentation, resurrected from the 2009 ceremony, helped create a sense of historical significance to each win. The format provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate every performance and the significance of the nominations. It allowed for a moment of reflection and appreciation for the hard work and artistic contributions of all the artists involved, rather than solely emphasizing the winner. Some standout speeches included Nicolas Cage’s with his teasing banter with The Holdovers Best Actor nominee Paul Giamatti and Regina

King’s touching tribute to The Color Purple Best Actress-nominated Danielle Brooks.

One of the hardest things to account for when planning the show is the acceptance speeches. Never really knowing how long they will go on, many filmmakers are cut off by a swell of music playing behind them as they rush to get in their final words before being shooed offstage. This year, it seems as if the broadcast kept a general rule to hold more time for those filmmakers who opted to dedicate their speech to making a statement for the greater good. American Fiction writer and director Cord Jefferson gave a powerful message to studio executives in the room about funding smaller projects after winning the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, Jonathan Glazer spoke out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza during his speech accepting Best International Feature for his film The Zone of Interest, and Mstyslav Chernov gave a touching tribute to the Ukrainian people’s resilience during his Best Documentary acceptance speech for 20 Days in Mariupol

This year’s nominee class saw one of the highest percentages of non-Englishlanguage films in Oscars history, with many reaching well outside the category of Best International Feature Film, including French film Anatomy of a Fall and Japanese film Godzilla Minus One . Largely credited to the expansion of the Academy voting body, these films excelled in both craft and technical categories, creating an exciting atmosphere around the global exchange of films.

Next year, it would be great to see translators offered for the international winners,

allowing them to deliver speeches in their mother tongue if they wish to do so. Many international filmmakers, such as 2020 Best Director winner Bong Joon-Ho, bring their own translators along to the ceremony, but it would be an exciting step forward in terms of accessibility and openness for the Academy to have translators at the ready. This isn’t to say that any of the International winners gave bad speeches. Anatomy of a Fall director Justine Triet’s speech was absolutely killer, but it would have been thrilling

to hear what she could have said if she had given her speech in French.

The 2024 Oscars were a reminder of why film fans around the world love the broadcast so much: It’s a genuine celebration of an art form catered to those who make it and love it. By uplifting those in the industry and their achievements rather than striving to create moments of virality, the Oscars regained their sense of gravitas, delivering a show that left many excited for the future of the awards.

John Cena takes the cake for best presenter of the night after appearing onstage wearing only his birthday suit to award the Oscar for Best Costume Design. (Arian Kamel & Zoe Dubin / The Tribune)

Jordana Curnoe

Contributor

Continued from page 1.

Canadian comedian and writer Brent Butt explained in an interview with The Canadian Press that the festival provided an opportunity for comedians to get the “right eyeballs” on them. Performing at JFL could quickly provide them with international recognition. As opposed to posting their content online for a lessinvested social media fan base, working with the festival events’ live audiences helps comedians improve preparedness in their sets and gives them the chance to improvise. It also exposes performers to an audience that wouldn’t be willing to make the trip to the comedian’s hometown for a smaller event.

JFL’s sudden closure came with little warning, and many comedians had already wasted months preparing for this non-existent opportunity. Historically, Montreal’s comedy scene as a whole has benefitted from the festival; each summer, the city’s smaller comedy events and local clubs typically welcome an influx of spectators. This year, however, the city’s comedy venues are expecting to see a sharp drop in revenue. JFL is an important part of Montreal’s extensive lineup of summer

festivals and its accompanying avid tourism industry. While visitors can purchase tickets for indoor venues, the festival also hosts free outdoor entertainment acts in both English and French. By doing so, JFL makes comedy accessible and exposes the comedian to an even larger crowd.

In general, the Canadian government does not do enough to protect comedians. Federal funding bodies like the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA) do not offer comedy- or improv-specific grants. Instead, comedians are expected to find a way to include their work in a broader art form, such as theatre or literature. Canadian comedians like Howie Mandel end up feeling like they need to move to the U.S. in order to achieve success. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for Canadian comedians to obtain work visas since Canadian media industries were both protected under the North American Free Trade Agreement cultural exemption clause and renewed under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The clause aims to promote Canadian content and protect it from being taken over by American corporations, but actually makes it harder for our comedians to succeed in other parts of the world. The cancellation of one of the world’s most important comedy festivals, centred around two major Canadian cities,

will further weaken the already narrow opportunity for Canadian comedians to succeed.

It’s crucial for Canada’s comedy sector that JFL returns, even if it operates on a smaller scale. JFL is responsible for starting comedic careers and celebrating prominent comedians. It is Canada’s largest player in the comedy industry, and its removal will damage Montreal’s decorat -

ed entertainment industry. While the future of JFL is unsure, not all hope is lost; the statement made by Groupe Juste pour rire inc. ended on an eager note, emphasizing the prospect of reopening the festival in 2025 after financial restructuring. If you are looking for a replacement in the meantime, the Quebecois reality prank show Just for Laughs Gags will continue to run on CBC.

2D or not 2D (animation)

How a 2D animated film reinvigorated my love for simple artistic styles

Suzanna Graham Arts & Entertainment Editor

In a streaming era saturated with live-action, CGI, and 3D animated films, lately, all I’ve wanted to do is curl up under a blanket and watch a 2D animated movie. The other day, while scrolling through Letterboxd lists, I stumbled upon a movie I had never heard of before: Wolfwalkers. I wasn’t surprised that I hadn’t seen it. It’s a movie from an independent Irish animation studio called Cartoon Saloon, and although nominated for an Academy Award in 2021 for Best Animated Feature, it held onto a niche rarely seen in recent animated feature films: Pure, 2D animation.

Now don’t come after me. I know that the latest recipient of the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, The Boy and the Heron, is also (technically) 2D animation. Animators indeed created the movie using 2D animation tactics—hand-

drawn frames and a vector-based style, to name a few. But, like in other Studio Ghibli films, the directors used computer animation to incorporate specific effects in moving the frames from paper to screen. And that’s not a bad thing. That’s not my point.

limited animation, where common actions (think a character walking) could be reused. Each technique development aimed to save money, reduce the amount of individual frames an artist had to produce, and ultimately achieve a more fluid look.

HOT TAKE

Since the conception of the Oscar category for Best Animated Feature in 2002, only four winners have been created using primarily 2D animations. (themoviedb.org)

My point is that I wanted to watch a movie that is beautiful in its simplicity. I want to watch more movies that don’t try to hide the handdrawn labour of love that is an animator crafting individual frames to make up seconds of a movie that spans over an hour. I watched Wolfwalkers in a trance, enthralled by the gesture lines of the wolves and the colouring outside of the lines. The film is clearly inspired by Celtic artwork and mythology—exuding a timeless feel that makes the story appear modern despite its 17th-century Irish setting. 2D imbues the movie with magic and whimsy and childhood and so many more things that I don’t believe would have come across in the same way if it was created using 3D animation. It made me feel hopeful. 2D animation has come a long way since its inception. Most people credit Émile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie (1908) as the first animated “film” or cartoon. It’s rough, sure, but the minute of nearly 700 fluid, hand-drawn frames paved the way for celluloid “cel” animation in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1937), where artists drew onto transparent cels that could be laid on top of different backgrounds. These techniques helped develop

Faye Webster’s newest symphonic album is “Tttttime”less

Her latest release is both genreless and tasteful, redefining bedroom pop.

Shreya Anand Contributor

Following a three-year hiatus, bedroom pop icon Faye Webster is back with her latest release, Undressed at the Symphony. Inspired by the countless nights Webster took herself to the symphony as therapy amid a breakup, the album serves as a counterpart to the whimsical love story of Webster’s 2021 album I Know I’m Funny haha. Though Webster works in new instrumental styles, the listener can still hear her honest lyricism shine through, something that fans know to expect from any Faye Webster song.

This album serves as a point of musical exploration for Webster, who mixes her soft-spoken voice and charming lyricism with a hybrid of genres. The country-inspired “Thinking About You” contrasts with soft jazz songs such as “Lifetime,” which are reminiscent of her earlier work. Nels Cline, guitarist of Wilco, whom Webster opened for on tour, is featured on “Wanna Quit All The Time” and “He Loves Me Yeah!”. The fourth track “Lego Ring” stands out as a playful departure from her usual work, featuring Webster’s childhood friend Lil Yachty.

In the first verse of “eBay Purchase History,” she sings “I could build and paint all day/But then there’s no one here for me to play.” Webster explores self-created destruction and solitude, exhibiting a

raw quality also found in her previous work.

With every technological advancement comes an expectation to conform. It’s true, 3D and CGI have made great progress since their beginnings in the 1960s and ’70s. It’s easier than ever to use 3D rigs to create cohesive images of a character, rather than follow an individual 2D animator’s stylistic guide. And yes, 3D models— specifically thanks to Disney and Pixar—have made it possible to create realistic characteristics with a variety of different hair types, increasing onscreen diversity. But in 2D animation, you know that each animator has put in the time and effort to truly master the character that they aim to produce on film. It is their pen on paper—or stylus on screen, whatever they use—that crafts each face, hair follicle, line, and colour.

I know a lot of people love 3D animation— I do too. But I encourage people to dive into the beauty of 2D animation and experience it with an open mind. 3D animation might be exciting, but 2D has just as much capability to create flashy and interesting visual stories. Not every movie is like Wolfwalkers with its intentionally rough style. Watch Persepolis for a gorgeous black and white comic style. Or La tortue rouge (The Red Turtle) for a dialogue-free film highlighting lush natural landscapes. 2D animation is capable of being a vessel for diverse art styles—if we only give it a chance.

Summing up Webster’s ability to perfectly capture the mundanity of fractured moments of life, she closes her album with “Tttttime.” The song’s repetitive lyricism beautifully captures the feeling of being frozen in split seconds of a day, and her emphasis on the word “time” romanticizes the ever-so-typical moments which fill our days.

As a body of work, the album’s sonic inconsistency can feel jarring at times. While this may not be my favourite of her albums, with the tracks seeming a bit reclusive at times, it still has the soft, comforting feel of the type of music a fan can expect from Webster. Though she admits that the album’s title has no philosophical meaning, Webster’s work is evidence that she too is capable of mastering the symphonic feel she is so drawn to as a listener.

“The Brave Little Toaster” is a forgotten new materialist masterpiece

Kellie Elrick Staff Writer

Ithought it was a fever dream. The Brave Little Toaster (1987)—a more utilitarian Toy Story and a less edible Sausage Party—concerns the trials and tribulations of five anthropomorphic household appliances as they meditate on what it means to be truly useful in the digital age. Lampy (a lamp), Blanky (an electric blanket), Kirby (a vacuum cleaner), Radio, and Toaster (self-explanatory) pass their days unplugged in an idyllic cottage, awaiting the return of “Master” (whose real name is Rob). But the cottage is listed for sale! So begins a harrowing journey to evade inanity and reunite with “Master.” Blanky’s battery dies. Radio is almost sold for parts. In a particularly memorable encounter, the appliances insult the resident air-conditioner, to which the airconditioner replies: “IT’S A CONSPIRACY, and every one of you low-watts is in on it—just because you can move around you think you’re better than I am….I can’t help it if the kid was too short to reach my dials!” before exploding in a flurry of flames. The Brave Little Toaster challenges the human-object binary by asking us what there is to life when we’re no longer useful—a timely tale for late-stage capitalism.

‘eternal sunshine’ plays with fire, and I’m not just talking about Ethan Slater’s hair

Ariana Grande’s new album is more symbolic than you think

Katarina Dyck Contributor

Ariana Grande, our reigning Queen of Pop, has blessed us with many studio albums, from Yours, Truly, which embodies the pure innocence and joy that accompanies young love, to thank u, next, where we find out that the honeymoon phase doesn’t actually last forever, to her last album, Positions, where female sexuality is celebrated.

Flash forward three years later with the record-breaking release of eternal sunshine, which received over 195 million global streams in its first week. Without even mentioning Grande’s adultery scandals and boyfriend and SpongeBob Squarepants: The Musical actor Ethan Slater’s eerie resemblance to Frankie Grande (seriously, look it up!), it’s impossible not to read between the lyrics. The songs are both rich with salacious yet graceful snubs to the former Mr. Grande and a profound love confession to you-know-who (ends in “Squarepants”). Sorry Dalton, but consider yourself a new verse in the “thank u, next” reprise. The title and themes of the concept album mimic the 2004 film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, wherein a woman wishes to erase memories of

her ex-boyfriend. Ariana is evidently writing these songs to help her get through her divorce and embrace a new romance. The titular song even hints at Dalton being her “eternal sunshine,” something she wants to “wipe [from her] mind.”

The album’s genre veers slightly away from the contemporary pop form of Positions, instead playing around with a pop ballad and R&B style. It opens with “intro (end of the world)” and right off the bat, the divorce rumours prove to be true. The catchy track “bye” focuses on Grande’s split from Dalton, but afterwards, he is out of the spotlight (save for the slights sprinkled in throughout the remaining songs). Instead, the focus shifts to Grande’s feelings for her new beau/Krusty Krab employee. The title track exudes adultery, yet I still memorized all the lyrics, while the lead single “yes, and?” spotlights self-possession.

Overall, the album’s tone is hopeful as Ariana embraces this new era. Controversial choice of muse aside, her signature whistle notes are angelic and the vulnerable lyrics leave nothing on the table with respect to her current relationship status. Ariana unabashedly bares her heart to us, which is itself a different kind of strength.

Webster’s album is a production of her healing process following a break-up, making Undressed at the Symphony an especially intimate piece of work. (Zoe Lee / The Tribune)

Surviving college as a commuter student How I make it work,

and how you can, too

Maria Gheorghiu Staff Writer

Having grown up in the Montreal suburbs, I’ve always felt like living at home while going to McGill would guarantee that I’d be left out of the “college experience.” Thankfully (sort of), my first year was during the height of COVID-19, meaning there wasn’t much to miss out on. But as the years went by, and as I now approach graduation, I’ve had the time to reflect on my choice to stay at home. Here are some tips on how I made life work as a student commuter.

The “college experience” isn’t real

The most important part of coming to terms with living at home during my university years was unlearning the belief that a college experience looks the same for everyone. I grew up thinking that to enjoy my degree, I would have to live minutes away from campus and that this was the only way to go to activities after class, sports games with my friends, and parties on weekends. While it’s true that living within walking distance of all the McGillians I know would have made this easier, I was still able to have a lively social life while living from home. While it might take a little more effort to go out, living off campus doesn’t have to dictate your social life.

Commuting is still free time

Initially, I wanted to move out, largely because of my daily one-hour commute. It was hard at first, and there have been nights when I’ve got-

ten home frustrated after being stuck on public transportation for hours. But just because you’re in a moving vehicle for a while doesn’t mean that you’re wasting time. Think of it as time you put aside to do something that isn’t school; personally, this is why I picked up knitting. The more time I spent commuting, the more I looked forward to it: It was time I would spend reading, discovering new music, or practicing a new language, creating a much-needed buffer between my academic life and home life. My time on public transit is something I now cherish.

It makes financial sense

For a lot of student commuters, staying at home is often a way to save money. It was for me. Moving out isn’t just about paying rent—there’s also the cost of utilities, getting groceries, doing laundry, and other miscellaneous bills that quickly pile up at the end of the month. Having a part-time job while being a full-time student isn’t an option for everyone, and neither is financial support from your parents. Living at home can be a good way to keep some money in your bank account while in college. However, while this made sense for me, it might not be the case for everyone: Being able to live on your own might be worth all the money in the world. It’s about what matters the most to you, and saving money mattered for me.

Your roommates are people you’ve known all your life

There’s certainly an element of comfort in coming home from a rough day at school to a sup-

portive and caring family. Finding the right roommates isn’t always easy, and as a people-pleaser, the thought of sharing a home with someone I don’t get along with makes me nervous. Being able to come home to people who know me and who I can feel comfortable being myself around was

extremely important in helping me cope with the stress of my academic life. I have to admit that I’m very privileged in my living situation and that not everyone is as close to their families as I am. But if you like where you are now, why should anything change?

Living at home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your time at university. (Abbey Locker / The Tribune)

Snow-melting looks to don for Spring

A guide to the trends you’ll be seeing on campus this season

Simi Ogunsola Contributor

Spring has sprung in Montreal. The Hot Dog Guy has resumed his post at the Y-intersection, the amount of people walking around campus seems to have doubled, and the thrifting girlies have broken out the long, ruffled skirts and quirky sunglasses. With the temperature change comes an important change in a young student’s journey—one that has less to do with the books, and more to do with the lewks: The transition from Winter to Spring fashion.

While the change can seem daunting, it needn’t be. Spring fashion—like all fashion—is first and foremost about wearing what you feel most comfortable in; start there and experiment with clothing that makes you feel good. Read on to hear what trends I observed while perched on a bench by the Y-intersection, listening to the new KYLE album, wondering if enough people had seen me looking mysterious and contemplative, or if I should give it 15 more minutes.

The big bag

Take a look around the library or your next class and you’ll notice something different within the bagscape. A new bag is on the scene, nestled among the tote bags silently crying for a break and that one geometric patterned bag that everyone seems to be in love with. It’s questionably called “the hobo bag,” and it’s the slouchy bag with a woven pattern that the girlies are using to tote their iPads and lipgloss around this semester.

Wide-legged jeans and Doc Martens

For all of the Doc warriors out there, fear not, this trend shows no signs of stopping. This spring, whether you rock the originals, the Hollys, or the thick platform boots (that I feel like are getting a little higher every time I see them) there’s plenty of room for Doc Martens in your closet. They go well with any colour of wide-legged jeans, giving you that effortless yeah-I-know-a-bit-aboutfashion look.

Funky sunglasses

I made a nod to this in the intro, but it bears repeating: Funky sunglasses are in! Whether they be the sporty-style dollar store ones, the 2012-Tumblr-core flower ones or something you thought looked cute from the thrift store, toss some sunnies on to complete your look this Spring.

Colour, colour, colour

One thing I observed while edging slowly toward the Beaver Tail truck was how the Y-intersection seemed almost to be in bloom—there was colour everywhere. It was as though when the world hibernated, our boldest and brightest clothing did too. But it’s back in full force, with people donning greens, yellows, eye-catching blues, and reds, in honour of the dreary Montreal winter ending.

Kissing the boots goodbye

While my time spent perusing saw no shortage of platform Ugg boots (especially ones with little bows on the back) and snow boots, they are on their way out. After spend-

ing a couple of months on the rack recovering from intimate interactions with club bathrooms and frat house floors, the sneakers were back on the scene. People are trading in their stompers for a pair of New Balance 237s and any variation of the “dad shoe.”

The white, ruffled skirt

This season is seeing the resurgence of the frilly, ruffly, floor-length skirts, also referred to as “boho” skirts. Evoking a Jane-Austen-like sense of wistfulness and romance, these skirts pair perfectly with a quick glance and smirk aimed at the cutie in the hot dog line before disappearing into the crowd. Or if that’s not really your style, cowboy boots and brightly coloured tops work well too!

All jokes aside, it was so refreshing to sit outside under the sun and take in all of the gorgeous fashion we have at McGill. It’s so unique, and honestly, a little inspiring too (if you are the person with the long, pink hair that I stopped to compliment, your outfit was incredible—I’m still thinking about it). Maybe

as a study break while you prepare for finals, or as something to think about when you’re laying out on the hill, see if you can get some fashion inspiration this spring, and spring out of your comfort zone (see what I did there?). Happy styling!

The Tribune’s natural skincare guide

Recommended by four out of five dentists

Arian Kamel Managing Editor

Do we need skin? Most would say yes. Some would say it depends. I, for one, believe that the former is the case, which is why I’m committed to sharing my skincare routine with the McGill student populus.

For some context: I’m a minimalist at heart. I only use a five-in-one shampoo/body wash/toothpaste, I have worn the same pair of jeans since I was seven, and I believe in reusable toilets. Does this make me more qualified than your boardcertified dermatologist? I like to think so. Some may argue that I’m not qualified to give “skincare advice” because I “have never struggled with acne,” but being an empath, I have always struggled with other people having acne.

Let’s start with the essentials. Sunscreen? Probably. Tanning beds? Only if you enjoy melanoma, so why not? Formaldehyde? Chairman Mao would say so. Chocolate? Delicious. However, the real key is that, like my grandma used to say, “The best skincare is self-love. Scratch those chicken pox.”

Now, alternative, more expensive, options also exist. Botox always seems like a good idea until you wake up one

morning and realize your eyes never fully closed. If you’re considering mud baths, just keep in mind that you can’t just accrue tons upon tons of street mud from your neighbourhood and store it in the free bathtub you found in your local Ikea—trust the professionals—like me.

If none of my suggestions have helped you so far, you may be saying, “It’s not working. I’m so worried about my acne.” Do you know what you should be worried about? Crime. Maybe the best skincare routine is you being less shallow.

Still, I have a few more tricks in my shoe. Like all university students, I try to craft my points from different perspectives, something my future employers will surely cherish and appreciate. If one were to take a communist lens, perhaps a hard day’s work is what is missing in your skincare routine. Maybe you should go on LinkedIn or Craigslist, then apply for any underwater oil rigging jobs you can find, preferably welding. Even if you still have acne after the eight-month expedition, you will at least have abs of steel and new-found respect for blue-collar life.

Anyone who has had the profound experience of booking an appointment with a dermatologist, waiting four to eight months, and being prescribed topical steroids after a seven-minute appoint -

ment, will tell you the same thing: It’s about the journey, not the destination. In the process of trying new moisturizers and throwing out overpriced cleansers, one finds their true self, a genuine and once kind soul driven mad by the depraved restraints of skin.

But I’m here to tell you that this doesn’t have to be the case. Just remember to always wear sunscreen when it’s sunny outside, change your pillow sheets every other week, eat well whenever you can, and always prioritize your sleep. These simple, but essential steps, will do most of the heavy lifting necessary to rejuvenate your skin and help you feel better along the way.

And remember, if none of my skin -

Group projects: A burden or a blessing?

How to manage the stress of giving up some control

Auxane Bussac Staff Writer

Almost all students can relate to the experience of finding out that a group project is worth 30 per cent of their grade. For many, this realization instills a sense of dread: Will my group partners pull their weight? How will we find a time that works for us all to meet? Will the TA understand the unique challenges that come with compromising to find a topic that works for us all?

Group projects are a good exercise in getting a sense of what we will have to face in the workplace in our future careers. Teamwork is central in a lot of professional environments, so it’s crucial to develop communication skills and build self-confidence to avoid struggling later on. Yet, most of us despise group projects—they can be a big source of stress for busy students who don’t have a lot of time to schedule group meetings or worry that collaborative work won’t be shared fairly. Being partnered up with random students from your class is always a risk: Some people don’t get along or share the same work methods, leading to disorganization and miscommunication.

“Your experience with group projects relies heavily on chance and who you are going to be grouped with, which affects the efficacy of the group,” Aliénor Jardin, U2 Arts, pointed out in an interview with The Tribune

When you find yourself in a group project, don’t hesitate to speak your mind.

It is okay not to agree with your partners but you are usually all working toward the same grade. Honesty is not a flaw, so don’t be scared to speak up.

Chloé Jaouen, U2 Arts, gave tips on how to gain confidence while doing collaborative work in an interview with The Tribune

“The thing I tell myself is that I probably won’t see most of the people I work in groups with again after the end of the semester, so why bother being shy and risking my grades over something so shortlived,” Jaouen said. “I won’t let my grades depend upon someone who doesn’t care about others or about their own grades.”

Teamwork is about sharing ideas and

discovering new work methods. It teaches you to make compromises and collaborate, which are important life skills. For people like Jardin who don’t necessarily like working with others, it’s important to remember that everyone has something interesting to bring to the table.

“When it’s a task that requires different skills, such as using Excel, which I struggle with, then it becomes useful to share the work with people who have different areas of expertise,” Jardin said.

Some students might struggle more than others with communicating in a group setting. McGill is known for having loads of students who do not speak English as their mother tongue. This challenge, along

care recommendations work, give the underwater oil rigging another shot.

with social anxiety, can make speaking your mind more nerve-racking. Try to remember that your group mates likely feel some level of anxiety as well— some might just be better at hiding it—and are likely compassionate, understanding people at heart.

There is also the possibility of creating online group chats to communicate in writing if you don’t feel comfortable talking to people face-to-face. Communication is key, so if you know that some personal matters may impede your work, reach out to your group mates or professor to find solutions that work for everyone.

Joseph Rouhana Feghaly, U1 Engineering, thinks that it’s easier to work with people you are already familiar with.

“When I can, I prefer getting into groups with people I know rather than people I don’t know,” Feghaly said. “It’s easier to talk to your friends when they are not doing the work than reaching out to strangers to pressure them. You don’t want to cross some boundaries and sound rude.”

Group projects are scary, but with experience, it gets better.

“Most of the time group projects involve getting together once or twice to share the tasks and then working individually, so I wouldn’t stress about it too much,” Jaouen concluded. “With practice, you’ll see how not-that-big-of a-deal it becomes.”

Interviews were translated from French.

Skin is the largest organ in the human body. (Mason Bramadat / The Tribune)

Fun icebreakers are a good way to get started when working with strangers. (James Knechtel / The Tribune)

James West Contributor

Desperate hopes for a Guerrero revival: The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2024 offseason

The Tribune reviews the Jays’ lack-luster offseason

Tillie Burlock Managing Editor

In the wake of the Shohei Ohtani plane debacle, many Toronto Blue Jays fans have patiently waited for the game-breaking signing that would mend their broken hearts. The feeling of being mocked by the baseball world for believing the two-way superstar was on a private jet set to land in Toronto, only for Ohtani to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was not a good one. Hopes rose and fell yet again as rumours of Cody Bellinger, Juan Soto, or even Joc Pederson signing with the Jays surfaced. So, after a San Francisco Giants-esqe offseason of pining after superstars, where do the Blue Jays stand? With opening day just around the corner on Mar. 28, The Tribune reviews the Jays signings, resignings, and plans for the 2024 season.

With the loss of Brandon Belt and Matt Chapman to free agency, the Jays re-signed Kevin Kiermaier and added on Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Justin Turner. In 2023, Kiner-Falefa and Turner combined for a total of 2.2 wins-above-replacement (WAR) while Chapman alone corralled a 4.4 WAR season. The combo is a defi-

nite downgrade from the Belt-Chapman duo the year prior, placing the Jays’ hopes for a better season at the plate on the teams’ returning players.

While having one of the best pitching staffs in 2023, the Jays’ offense was its biggest problem. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. posted a .264/.345/.788 slash line with 26 home runs in 2023, leaving Blue Jays fans with a sour taste in their mouth as many hoped he would revert back to his 2021 offensive prowess. Disappointing seasons from Alejandro Kirk, George Springer, and Daulton Varsho also plagued the 2023 offense; however, the Blue Jays’ front office seems to think they will be just fine. On Nov. 28, 2023, general manager Ross Atkins told the media that he feels “really good” about the 2024 season. However, the lacklustre signings of Kiner-Falefa and Turner mean that Guerrero, Kirk, and Springer (and hopefully Varsho) will have to dramatically outperform their 2023 seasons if the Jays want to have a shot.

Yet, the seemingly invincible pitching staff of 2023 is also starting to show some vulnerability. After an abhorrent 2023, Alek Manoah’s promises of a bounce-back season

in 2024 seem to be on hold following a not-so-good outing on Feb. 27 where he hit three batters combined with shoulder soreness. The Jays’ ace Kevin Gausman is also day-today with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss Opening Day.

Reflective of the Jays’ frontoffice woes, the most exciting move of the offseason was the signing of Toronto-born Joey Votto. After 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds in which he made six all-star appearances and led the league in on-base percentage in seven seasons, Votto’s -0.1 WAR in 2023 prompted the Reds to let him go into free agency. While there is no doubt that Votto is well past his prime, as illustrated by the Jays only offering him a minorleague deal, the signing has generated a sense of nostalgia for the Canadian fanbase. It also ended Votto’s peculiar social media posts throughout his free agency, where he threatened to stop putting away his cart after shopping if not signed by a major league team, among other things.

The Athletic gave the Blue Jays’ front office a D grade, calling the offseason “underwhelmingly unimaginative.” A fan survey conducted by The Athletic also revealed

“a feeling of blah amongst many in the fanbase.” Alternatively, FanGraphs projects the Jays to win only 83 games this season, a total that gives the team a 45.3 per cent chance of making the playoffs and would earn them a fourth-place finish in the American League East. While Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA system has more faith, projecting the Jays for 88 wins, a second-place finish,

and a 65 per cent chance to make the playoffs, there is a lack of excitement surrounding the Jays for the first time in a few years.

So what does The Tribune think? We agree with the “feeling of blah.” Sadly, the Jays have not given us much to be excited about. But with expectations low for the first time in a few years, maybe being underestimated is just what this team needs.

Making a splash is no big deal for McGill’s Artistic Swimming team

Final stretch in sight for McGill Artistic Swimming

Julie Ferreyra Sports Editor

On Mar. 12, McGill’s artistic swimming team took the stage for their watershow––the final send-off before the Canadian University Artistic Swimming League (CUASL) National Championship in Winnipeg.

With 13 routines developed by their seven coaches, the McGill artistic swimming squad has been incredibly successful this season. After dominating the 2023-2024 season opener, the squad made waves at the Eastern championship in Quebec City, with five podium finishes, including one double-podium, and four gold medal performances.

The evening began with Diana Paparelli’s solo performance to Bruno Mars’ “Leave the door open.” Paparelli, like a few of her teammates, has changed her routine and song choice since the Eastern championships in early Feb., having to develop a brand-new artistic and creative performance in time for the national championships this weekend. Anna Dolgova also had to tweak her soundtrack, censoring her Amy Winehouse medley, as her experienced solo opened to the chorus of “Me & Mr Jones.”

“Personally I had a bad experience with my solo at Easterns, and I just felt that I was not feeling confident in the routine I was performing,” Paparelli explained. “For a solo performance you really have to enjoy swimming your routine to be able to execute it nicely.”

Head Coach Lindsay Duncan took the stage during intermission to expand on the recent changes in the CUASL assessment scheme. CUASL adopted the new international artistic swimming system of notation, which places a stronger emphasis on difficulty than before, raising it to the same importance as the other components considered— artistry and technicality. As such, long-term fans of the sport may have noticed the increased “difficulty” of the routines, which often manifest in increased time spent underwater with feet in the air.

“Last year we were unfamiliar with the system and it was a challenge for our team,” Paparelli expanded. “However this year we doubled our efforts and made sure to create routines based around the new system, and improved very much.”

The evening ended with the presentation of the three teams’ performances, each more spectacular than the last. The first team to per-

form their routine was the novice team, composed of six swimmers, and coached by Teagan Rodrigues and Tamar Banon. To the beat of a medley of Black Eyed Peas songs, the athletes delivered an energetic and sassy performance that ended with the swimmers wielding the rock and roll “devil’s horns” hand gestures high above the water surface.

Team two shared a cohesive and creative routine, despite missing a swimmer. The black and gold swimsuits enhanced the beauty of the harmonious performance to a medley from //The Great Gatsby// movie soundtrack. The waterfalllike sequences granted the routine a mesmerizing quality.

“[The watershow] gave us an opportunity to showcase [our routines] in front of a crowd [....] It’s a different feeling than when it’s just in practice,” explained experienced duet and team swimmer Ana Gordon in an interview with //The Tribune//.

The evening ended with the experienced first team’s routine. The team took the stage as if doing a pre-game ritual, sporting baseballthemed bun-covers, sports jersey–esque swimsuits and headpieces in their gelatin-slicked hair. The sports-themed routine was com-

posed to the tune of a medley of different iconic sports soundtracks. From “Eye of the Tiger” to Fox’s NFL theme song and The Sports Network’s Hockey Night in Canada jingle, the soundtrack enmeshed several iconic sporting sounds, including soundbites from McGill’s own home game crowd and commentary. The performance opened with an acrobatic figure with Catherine McGee propelled by her teammates into a forward tuck.

Soon after the watershow, the team flew to Winnipeg for the national championships. The novice team placed first in the preliminary round. The McGill squad dominated

the novice category, earning gold in the team, duet and solo categories. In addition to their first-place duet to the tune of a LMFAO medley, Tara Fitzgerald and Paparelli also earned respectively the fourth and second place for their solos. Paparelli’s consistent performances granted the senior the Trophy for Top Overall Novice Athlete. McGill’s experienced squad also stood out, with team one earning silver, and Kayla Drew’s solo earning bronze. The squad’s performances all contributed to help McGill claim the 2024 Canadian University Artistic Swimming League National Championship title.

The Jays finished third in the AL East last season with 89 wins and 73 losses. (Tillie Burlock / The Tribune)

With six podiums and eight top five finishes, McGill artistic swimming brought back the trophy for top overall university. (Abby Zhu / The Tribune)

Winter 2024 SSMU Executive Endorsements

The Tribune’s editorial board presents its endorsements of the candidates for the 2024-2025 Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) executive team. Editors researched and communicated with each candidate before leading an editorial board discussion on the candidate’s qualifications and vision for their prospective role. Editors with conflicts of interest abstained from discussing, writing, and editing relevant reviews.

The Tribune would like to acknowledge that no candidates have come forward for the President or Vice-President (VP) Finance positions and that there is only competition for two of the seven executive positions. Having a full and strong executive team is vital going into the 2024-2025 academic year, and the lack of applicants is deeply troubling for our student democracy. The Tribune encourages SSMU to continue its outreach to find qualified and passionate candidates and students to engage in the democratic process.

VP Student Life

Chloé Muñoz

Muñoz, who was VP Environment of New Residence Hall and VP Internal of the Environmental Residence Council from 2022-2023, vows to maintain and strengthen SSMU services if elected. She feels that having permanent, non-student positions in certain, critical services— such as those dealing with mental health—is important to avoid the loss of institutional memory as students come and go. She plans to meet with clubs, independent student groups, and services frequently to hear their concerns and help them run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. She also has a few community-building initiatives planned: Muñoz wants to increase the number of third spaces around campus, as she believes they are crucial for fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration among students, and intends to hold community mixers to bring people together and increase engagement with SSMU. Finally, she has a strong grasp of campus, city, and provincial politics. If elected, she would advocate against the provincial government’s tuition hikes and for the Policy Against Genocide in Palestine, which was passed during the Fall 2023 SSMU Referendum but has been challenged by both McGill and B’nai Brith.

Avin Ahmadi

If elected, Ahmadi—who has experience as Inter-Residence Council’s Solin Hall representative— plans to centre her work around student feedback to ensure that SSMU is working for all of its constituents. To this end, she would focus on improving the quality of SSMU services—which she thinks many students are dissatisfied with—starting by conducting a survey of students’ experiences to see what is most needed. She plans to work on improving the McGill App to make it better customized to students’ needs, which, in turn, she hopes would help SSMU members gain a better understanding of the Society’s work and increase students’ engagement with SSMU. Additionally, she would work to make Activities Night less daunting for students by creating an interactive map to help attendees navigate the tables. Finally, Ahmadi would carry on the current VP Student Life’s practice of holding frequent office hours to hear student feedback and create new anonymous channels through which students could communicate any concerns with SSMU executives.

Endorsement: Yes to Chloé Muñoz

The Tribune endorses Muñoz for VP Student Life because of her dedication to anti-oppressive work and fostering community, as well as her understanding of the importance of maintaining SSMU services that are key for students’ mental and physical health and well-being in the face of budget cuts and tuition hikes. While her platform is strong, we encourage Muñoz to create more specific plans for tackling the crisis of mental health at McGill beyond supporting services and working to foster community. Despite The Tribune’s endorsement of Muñoz, Ahmadi deserves praise for her platform, specifically for her ideas on how to centre student feedback and increase engagement with SSMU.

VP Sustainability and Operations

Meg Baltes

Baltes is a third-year science student wanting to continue Hassanatou Koulibaly’s work of revitalizing the University Centre in the role of VP Operations and Sustainability. She plans on attracting more students into the space by adding other vendors to the basement space alongside Gerts. Baltes also hopes to enhance SSMU’s sustainability commitments by incorporating McGill’s Sustainable Events Certification into the society’s event planning structure and by improving waste management practices. She is committed to facilitating improved communication with students by reaching out to clubs at the beginning of each term to ensure students know the VP, their role, and the support they offer.

Endorsement: Yes to Meg Baltes

Given the difficulties that come with advocating for sustainability within bureaucratic institutions on campus, her experience working around these challenges as Sustainability Projects Fund ambassador at McGill will serve her well in the role. Her focus on achieving concrete goals and improving transparency with students are also key to more effective work by SSMU. However, since Baltes is a full-time honours student, fulfilling the responsibilities of an executive position will be a challenge. The Tribune hopes her courseload, as well as her focus on efficiency, do not lead her to neglect parts of the portfolio.

VP External

Hugo-Victor Solomon

Solomon’s campaign is centred around social justice, transparency, and accountability within SSMU and Montreal, with an intersectional lens informing his approach to these three pillars. In his campaign, Solomon has stressed the need to build structural support for movements across campus, including Palestinian- and Indigenous-led movements, student protests against tuition hikes, and unions. His own experience includes community activism with Black Lives Matter, anti-gun-violence protests, activism for LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-apartheid movement work. For Francophone Affairs, he plans to advocate for the multitude of multiracial francophone students within the specific context of Quebec, which also animates his desire to uphold Quebec’s long history of concrete political activism. He wishes to bridge dialogue between the administration and organizers on campus, while also bridging solidarity with Milton Parc community organizations such as Mobilizing for Milton-Parc and the Quebec Public Interest Research Group at McGill.

Michal Ekiert

In the role of VP External, firstyear law student Ekiert wants to increase government lobbying and legal policy action while continuing to support social movements on campus. From his time sitting on the SSMU committee on legal action against tuition hikes and volunteering at the Legal Information Clinic at McGill, Ekiert has experience working in legal advocacy both in and outside of the student union. Maintaining greater transparency by providing a newsletter to keep students informed on his work is key to his platform, as well as being a more active presence in committee meetings under his portfolio. Ekiert commits to streamlining communication between SSMU and the network of NGOs working on housing and food insecurity in Montreal to support students. He also hopes to foster strong community ties with Milton Parc by engaging and supporting all residents, including the unhoused community.

Endorsement: Yes to Hugo-Victor Solomon

The Tribune endorses Solomon’s campaign for VP External. Solomon’s decolonial

approach to campus politics gave him the edge. For example, Solomon has emphasized his focus on community engagement shaped by deep listening and developing a “cognitive and spiritual” understanding of solidarity with the Kanien’kehá:ka Kahnistensera (Mohawk Mothers) and committing to the hunger strikers and academic divestment in response to McGill’s opposition to the Policy against Genocide in Palestine. Ekiert’s overall lack of concrete goals in the role hinders his commitment to supporting student activism and providing greater transparency. Furthermore, Ekiert’s choice to not explicitly stand in support of the Policy against Genocide in Palestine and the Mohawk Mothers in his platform undermines his claim of being committed to anti-oppressive work. With his careful understanding of activism and administration required in the role, Solomon is poised to carry on the work of past VPs and build on transparency, accountability, and human rights endeavours on campus.

VP University Affairs

Abe Berglas*

Berglas has demonstrated a good grasp of McGill’s various governance structures and procedures, which is critical for anyone hoping to take up the VP University Affairs position. They list improving accessibility, holding McGill accountable for reports of discrimination, and ensuring that McGill committees are transparent about the state of equity and student rights as some of the key tenets of their campaign. In addition, if elected they would aim to strengthen the student caucus to the Senate by making sure all student senators are well informed, understand the structures at play at McGill, and ask hard-hitting questions. They would also push McGill to implement the recommendations from SSMU’s Accessibility and Accommodations on Campus report. Finally, Berglas, who is currently the Recording Secretary of the SSMUnion, would push SSMU to ratify the SSMUnion Collective Agreement if elected.

*Berglas declined an interview with The Tribune, so we were unable to ask them questions and evaluate all aspects of their campaign.

Endorsement: No to Abe Berglas

Despite Berglas’ clear understanding of the structures through which they would be responsible for advocating for students in the VP University Affairs position, The Tribune does not endorse them due to their lack of specific emphasis on combatting racism, colonialism, and a myriad of other oppressive forces. It is imperative that the VP University Affairs does anti-racist and decolonial work—for example by taking a strong stance on the Mohawk Mother’s ongoing legal battle with McGill and on the Policy Against Genocide in Palestine— and that they make these issues a cornerstone of their campaign. If elected, we encourage Berglas to ensure that all students are being advocated for and supported.

VP Internal

Zeena Zahidah

Zahidah’s campaign focuses primarily on building strong first-year engagement through a new buddy program, as well as more inclusive representation for Francophone students on SSMU committees and an overall commitment to building a more diverse, inclusive community. She cites her varied experiences to support this commitment, including an internship for a 30-day film festival focusing on the themes of life, death, and oppression in the Middle East, and her experience delivering over 10,000 iftar meals to vulnerable sectors in Amman during Ramadan with her family. Zahidah plans to start a SSMU TikTok to increase student engagement with their representatives and believes fostering more collaborative opportunities with students and alumni will strengthen alumni connections.

Endorsement: Yes to Zeena

Zahidah

While a little inexperienced in student affairs and management, Zahidah’s experience organizing a wide variety of different events is encouraging. Her proposals and plans for accomplishing them are highly ambitious and a step in the right direction for campus life. The Tribune appreciates her commitment to diversity and inclusivity of the distinct groups on campus, and therefore endorses her candidacy and different proposals.