Faces of Dalhousie dentistry Facebook scandal's protest
A few hundred people gathered beneath the iconic clock tower on Dalhousie University's campus on Monday, demanding more action from the university after it suspended clinical activities for 13 dentistry students who belonged to a controversial Facebook group.
Many people were upset over the university's handling of the Facebook page called the Class of DDS 2015 Gentlemen. The fourth-year male dentistry students' comments about female classmates included a poll about having "hate" sex with female students and drugging women.
The 13 men who belonged to the group are suspended from clinical work until further notice. But university president Richard Florizone would not say whether the suspensions would be extended to include lectures, which have been postponed until next week.
Protesters held signs demanding an end to rape culture and more severe action against the accused.
We spoke to five people about why they joined the march.
Ally Columbus
"I'm here today to hear voices that are stronger than mine to understand what is really happening at Dalhousie University because I'm a NSCAD student."
Anja Samardzic
"I'm here to support all the women and all the victims who have been silenced by sexual harassment and assault and I'm here to hear the truth."
Bianca Boudreau
"I think that I'm here today to show that I support all these people out here who are protesting, survivors that are telling their stories. I guess I'm also here to support the fact that this isn't something that's OK and they need to do what's right and I think that they know what's right."
Matthew Nette
"I'm here because I disagree with anybody being revictimized again and again. Because I'm a father and because I'm a partner but also just because I'm human. It's basic."
Emma Brooks
"I'm here today to tell Dalhousie this is a serious issue and they're not giving it the proper attention and to show how many voices feel that way."
