March 3, 2022

The SFSS Executive Committee condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and fights for peace alongside all peoples against war, locally, and globally.

We strongly condemn the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military. We oppose, as per our issues policies IP-9 on Police and Militarization, we oppose militarization in all forms and oppose western imperialism and efforts by multiple state actors to escalate these and other conflicts globally in support of the military industrial complex, including military pacts that justify war and increased military spending.

We call on a full de-escalation and immediate ceasefire and for diplomatic relations to be commenced. The SFSS joins the many working-class people from all nations to oppose all wars and reiterate our commitment to reimagine and build a world in the spirit of peace and solidarity.

We stand in solidarity with those around the world calling for peace, including the protesters in Russia saying no to the war.

Here are some resources where you can receive support or share them as these geopolitical affairs impact many of our members in the community:

• SFU Health and Counseling

• My SSP: SFU students can access free 24/7 mental health support through the My SSP app. Culturally relevant support options are available; you can request to speak to a counsellor who shares your language and/or racial identity. 
  • – https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/get-support/my-ssp.html

• See a Counsellor (to schedule a counselling session) or an Access Case Manager (to talk directly to a support professional on how to navigate resources): free, confidential supports are available to all registered SFU students.
  • – Councillor: https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/see-a-counsellor.html
  • – Access Case: https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/get-support/service-navigators.html

• Connect with a chaplain: The SFU Multifaith Centre has chaplains from various faith backgrounds available for one-on-one conversations and support.
  • – https://www.sfu.ca/students/multifaith/contacts-Chaplains.html

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): the SFU Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides confidential, professional assistance to help SFU employees and their family members resolve problems that affect your personal and work lives.
  • – http://www.sfu.ca/human-resources/efap.html

• Critical Incident Support: A Critical Incident (or Significant Event) is normally a traumatic event that creates a strong emotional reaction. This reaction may interfere with an individual’s ability to manage normal day-to-day activities or have a large negative impact on the people involved or community members that have in some way been involved. Learn about the supports available.
  • – https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/faculty-staff/cis-guide.html

• Scholars at Risk Programme: SFU is committed to protecting academic freedom and the safety of scholars globally through our membership with Scholars at Risk, an organization that protects scholars around the world suffering threats to their lives, liberty and well-being. 
  • – https://www.sfu.ca/international/index/programs/scholars-at-risk.html

Here is the statement released by SFU and with resources and taking a stance against this unnecessary war: https://www.sfu.ca/pres/the-president/statements/2022/russian-invasion-of-ukraine.html