Students and Allies Rally against UofT Administration's Attempts to Restrict
Student Use of Campus Space

TORONTO, Oct. 27 /CNW/ - Toronto - University of Toronto students and community groups are shocked and dismayed by yet another attempt to stifle freedom of expression on campus. This time, the University of Toronto Administration is trying to adopt a policy that restricts student and campus groups from booking classrooms, halls, and other spaces on campus. The new space booking policy will give the University administrators unfettered discretion to deny room bookings and charge "market rates" for campus spaces.

Action Alert

What:	Rally against proposed changes to the use of campus space at the University of Toronto
Why:	To demand continued access to campus space and accountable governance and decision-making at the University of Toronto
Where:	Simcoe Hall - 27 King's College Circle - outside Governing Council meeting
When:	Thursday, October 28- 3:45pm

The proposed policy would further restrict external group bookings and prohibit using the location name "University of Toronto" in promotional material. This policy proposal, which was crafted without any consultation with students, comes after years of efforts by the Administration to limit political discussions and student activities on campus - most recently with the closure of the downtown campus during the G20 summit.

"This is a public university and extra-curricular events should be a vibrant part of our university experience," says Shane Wallace, President of the Black Students' Association. "It is already very difficult for student clubs to gain access to space on campus, and this new policy will make it near impossible."

"Students and the Toronto community are entitled to access spaces on campus for performances, gatherings and political discussions," says Zexi Wang, Vice President External of the University of Toronto Students' Union. "Every year, more clubs are holding events off campus and spending more of their budgets on room bookings and venue expenses. With over 500 student clubs on all campuses and numerous community groups who use campus space for meetings and events, we call on the Administration to commit to a vibrant community life on campus."

"The University has recently attempted to privatize campus space, silence dissent and limit expressions of political activity, while further restricting access to the University through annual fee increases and Flat Fees," says Joeita Gupta, University of Toronto student governor. "This is the latest attempt to exclude students and community from participating fully in campus life. For the sake of critical inquiry, a thriving campus community, and public outreach, I hope governors vote against this repressive and ill-conceived policy."

For further information:

Zexi Wang, Vice-President External, University of Toronto Students' Union: 647-896-4925 cell
Corey Scott, LGBTOUT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Trans People of the UofT): 416-899-2256 cell