OPEN LETTER
November 21, 2016
Dear Yasmine,
It has come to the attention of the APUO that you have been targeted by racist, xenophobic, islamophobic and sexist bullying since the publication of your article in the Rotonde about rape culture on campus at the University of Ottawa. We are outraged and would like to acknowledge and support you in this difficult time.
Your report was solid, well documented and pertained to an issue that should be of serious concern to all members of the university community. As a journalist, you have the duty to cover public interest stories such as this one – as contentious as it may be – and the right to do so without being a victim of intimidation and harassment. Rape culture is a very worrying issue on North American university campuses and we have a right to expect that the University of Ottawa’s administration would be accountable towards this issue. Therefore we fully support your demand for an inquiry.
The situation you are experiencing is absolutely unacceptable. Please know that we appreciate the work that you do and support you in seeking justice.
In solidarity,
Jennifer Dekker,
President, APUO