Social media outreach is one of the most important things we engage in as an organization. We want our members to understand who we are, the services we offer, the events we run, and the advocacy we do and social media provides us with tools to do that. Twitter has rapidly evolved into a place that not only supports but boosts misinformation and hate speech which is antithetical to our organization’s mandate and the environment of inclusivity, kindness, and respect we continue to build and strive to uphold. We established our Twitter account in June 2010 and have utilized the service almost daily for the last seven years. It has been an important part of our communication strategy specifically because it has allowed members to quickly connect with us to express their concerns. Therefore, it was difficult for us to cease posting on Twitter, but we feel it is the only way forward. The @queenssgps account will be locked and no longer monitored. We are choosing not to delete our account because we do not want our username poached and potentially used to further misinformation and hate. We will be exploring alternatives to Twitter, but given how rapidly this situation has developed, it could be some time before a new platform is embraced en masse. We will continue to supply updates to our membership via Facebook, Instagram, and our bi-weekly newsletter. As always, you can contact anyone at the SGPS anytime using the information found at https://sgps.ca/contact/.

This last week’s active display of antisemitism towards the Jewish community, both from public figures south of the border and closer to home in the Kingston and Queen’s community, is a reminder of the role we all must play in creating a safe and inclusive campus for all students. We at the SGPS join Queen’s University in condemning these violent and discriminatory actions and will work hard to ensure that Queen’s remains a safe and welcoming place to live and learn for all our members. The SGPS staff will also reflect on the role that we as a student union can play in supporting the Jewish community at this difficult time and work towards actions like these not happening on campus again. There is no place for hate and violence at Queen’s, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that. If you witness any act of violence or hate, report it. If you have experienced violence, hate, or harassment, resources are available to you on campus, and we encourage you to use them. Should you need help getting to resources, please reach out, and we can help you navigate this process. Together we can ensure Queen’s is a safe space for all students. Resources SGPS Equity Commissioner: equity@sgps.ca Human Rights & Equity Office, B506 Mackintosh-Corry Hall Student Wellness Services, Mitchell Hall, 69 Union St. Queen’s University International Centre, Mitchell Hall, 69 Union St., Room 208 (2nd floor) Office of Faith and Spiritual Life, chaplain@queensu.ca Queen’s campus security: 613-533-6111 for on campus emergency response Queen’s campus security: 613-533-6080 For non-emergencies (Safe Walk, Lone Worker, etc) Walkhome: 613-533-9255