Interim President Frank Iacobucci
University of Toronto
King's College Circle
Re: Keeping U.S. Military off of the University of Toronto Campus
Addressing the University of Toronto's continuing involvement with military research
"A time comes when silence is betrayal
We are called to speak for the weak, for the
Voiceless, for victims of our nation and for those it calls enemy,
For no document from human hands
Can make these humans any less our brothers and sisters"
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
May 2, 2005
Dear President Iacobucci:
We students, faculty and wider community are here today to advocate on behalf of people around the world whose lives are subject to war. We are well aware that the lives of those people are directly connected to ours. Some of the research conducted at University of Toronto produces and enhances conditions for wars around the globe.
We oppose collaboration with the US military on Canadian campuses and are demanding a halt to the militarization of UofT.
Our campuses must not provide "enabling technologies" for the US Army, or for any other organization or government that has perpetuated war crimes. Academic freedom does not extend to the oppression and brutalization of others.
If deaths of children around the world is the foundation and a necessary condition for production of "Great Minds," we assure you, there is nothing great about such minds. Such minds are sick minds, cut off from heart and spirit, morality and responsibility for Life.
We will not allow the U.S. military to freely roam our campuses and recruit researchers into the war economy.
Today, we are here to issue demands towards stopping and reversing University of Toronto's involvement with military research.
Our demands are as follows:
1. Full disclosure of military research at UofT
2. An end to all military research at UofT
3. Full disclosure of all UofT investments, particularly those linked to the military-industrial complex
4. A meeting with you, Interim President Iacobucci, Vice-Provost Vivek Goel and incoming President David Naylor.
5. That UofT develop and publicize alternatives to military-centred research.
All we need, Mr. President, is an academic community that does not contribute to the destruction of Life.
Sincerely,
Auntie SAM and People Against Militarization Of OISE
cc. Toronto media
human rights organizations
NSERC and CIHR