February 19, 2020

The purpose of this statement is to clarify SFSS’s approach to compliance with its policies, in response to a number of recent inquiries from students and other organizations.

The SFSS has the discretion to refuse or withdraw funding and other resources and revoke the internal club status of groups who contravene SFSS policies. Decisions about club status and funding are made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the policy contravention and the impact on SFU students.

On December 13th 2019, the Simon Fraser Student Society Board of Directors voted to implement the Issues Policy IP:1 Reproductive Rights. The SFSS supports discourse regarding sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, that recognizes students’ rights to physical and mental wellbeing, integrity, dignity, privacy and access to reproductive health services.

SFSS recognizes students’ right to freedom of expression. However, the SFSS will not recognize as an internal club or provide resources to groups who do not demonstrate their respect and commitment to the principals set out in IP:1 Reproductive Rights.

As set out in IP:1, the SFSS opposes campaigns, actions, or lobbying activities (including the posting or distribution of materials) that interfere, intimidate or attempt to intimidate students from making informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights and the distribution of disturbing photographs, media or other materials, including materials that cause (or have the potential to cause) mental distress or are intended to shock, disturb or harass students into adopting a particular belief with respect to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights (including abortion).

If you have any questions about the above, please contact a member of the Simon Fraser Student Society Board of Directors and/or the Executive Director.

Read the full statement here.