As many are aware, two days ago Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre experienced a deplorable anti-Indigenous,  anti-LGBTQ2+ attack. This act of violence comes just mere months after Chown Hall events. If this does not make clear the pervasive culture of racism and, transphobia, and homophobia on our campus, we are not sure what would. The SGPS wants to make clear that this behaviour has no place in our community and we stand behind 4D to provide supports however needed. The full statement by Kandice Baptiste, Director 4D can be found at the link below with a list of resources. https://www.facebook.com/fdisc/posts/1626362727518633

To All SGPS Members, The 2020-2021 Executive team will be holding a town hall-style meeting ⚠️ Monday, July 6th @ 2:30 pm EST ⚠️. Town Hall Guidelines You will have the opportunity to bring up your ideas/concerns one at a time After an executive addresses your idea/concern you will have the opportunity to clarify or ask a follow-up question before we move to the next student If you have any concerns or would like to speak to the Executive team privately, please reach out to president@sgps.ca and we will start a dialogue. The chat function will be open during this meeting for individuals to state that they have a question and you will be added to the speaker list. This is not a formal meeting although we will be trying to keep a list of speakers and do the best to address individuals in order. We ask for your understanding if we make an order error or miss your name, it is not our intention to skip anyone and will ensure you have the time to talk Should you have any questions or concerns leading up to this meeting, please feel free to reach out to president@sgps.ca at any time. Thank you, The SGPS Executive Team Click here to access the Zoom link for the Town Hall The password will be sent out via the SGPS mailing list one hour before the meeting.

The SGPS is pleased to announce the members of our Finance Committee for the 2020 – 2021 Executive year. Tamara Mitterer, SGPS Vice President, Finance and Services Justine Aman, SGPS President Amir Ghorbani, Ordinary Member of the SGPS Gursarbjot Singh, Ordinary Member of the SGPS Aditya Kamath, Ordinary Member of the SGPS Isobel Sharpe, Ordinary Member of the SGPS

Over the past 24 hours after posting our initial communications in support of BIPOC Students at Queen’s, we have been challenged by both Queen’s Black Academic Society (QBAS) and the Levana Gender Advocacy Centre to put our words to action. We thank you for keeping us accountable. In addition to the three commitments below, the SGPS has made financial contributions to both the Black Health Alliance and to the Black Legal Action Centre. The SGPS is committed to action rather than simple rhetoric and we extend the challenge to other Queen’s services, clubs, and the especially administration to provide financial support where possible. In addition, we will be holding a town hall on Friday, June 5th at 2:30 PM EST and encourage all students to come to speak to our executive so we can continue the conversation. OUR COMMITMENTS Commitment to add mandatory cultural safety training to our bylaws and policies (in addition to our mandated anti-oppression training). Committing to furthering internal Executive education by reaching out to the Queen’s inclusion and anti-racism advisor for educational opportunities. Providing BIPOC students a platform for advocacy at the SGPS where Queen’s history of institutional racism can continue to be challenged. Financial supports in the amount of $1000 for the Black Health Alliance and $500 for the Black Legal Action Centre. This is just the beginning, the SGPS will continue to educate themselves and put in the work. At your service, Your 2020-21 Executive Team