KSA addresses KPU canceling the space for its special general meeting

The Kwantlen Student Association has addressed Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s concerns with their special general meeting (SGM), which was scheduled for Sept. 26 until the university revoked the space. 

In a media release posted to the student association’s website, the KSA wrote “it is crucial to get the record straight about the concerns shared by KPU.” 

KPU temporarily canceled the space for the KSA’s SGM due to safety concerns as the student association had requested an additional 18 security staff to supervise the meeting, as previously reported by The Runner. 

“The KSA was saddened to hear of KPU’s decision to temporarily cancel the space and continues to remain focused on working with KPU on other initiatives to improve the lives of students,” the media release reads. 

The association also stated that the safety and wellness of KPU students is of “utmost importance,” and that they worked to ensure the safety of attendees “including working with KPU Facilities to ensure that additional security personnel were present for the SGM.” 

In a letter KPU wrote to the KSA, which The Runner anonymously received, the university also raised concerns about the SGM’s proposed bylaw changes, which included not allowing students in council meetings unless granted permission, removing student involvement in standing committees, and allowing non-active KPU students to remain members of the KSA so long as they pay semesterly fees. 

The university wrote many of the changes contradict or violate the KSA’s constitution or the Societies Act, which the KSA is governed by. 

“The University views the Proposed Bylaws as a reduction in the rights of KPU students to maintain the society in a manner that best benefits them,” the letter reads. “The KSA is a custodian and steward of the student association fees and the Proposed Bylaws would significantly restrict the ability of KPU students to influence how their money is used.” 

In the news release, the KSA stated their independence from KPU, which allows them to make these types of decisions “to ensure important goals are met for its members.”

“While the KSA appreciates KPU sharing its thoughts, we would like to reiterate that the KSA is independent of KPU, and the internal decisions made by its duly elected student representatives are in its purview,” the media release reads. 

“The proposed bylaw changes are aimed at speeding up the decision-making process and ensuring a stronger foundation of institutional knowledge to ultimately achieve tangible results for the issues KPU students face.” 

In the letter, KPU wrote they had seen no evidence that students wanted these proposed bylaw changes, nor that the KSA had consulted students about the changes. 

“As we work to meet the mandate of members, we remain open to having a dialogue to discuss issues that continue to be of importance to KPU students,” the KSA’s media release reads. 

“The SGM is one way we had hoped to have a dialogue, as members of the association are afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the KSA leadership on its proposed plans.” 

KPU also raised concerns about “allegations of financial coercion” among members of council, and requested the association conduct an investigation into this. They also requested the KSA show they can hold a safe SGM, work in compliance with the Societies Act, and engage with KPU students to ensure they understand the proposed bylaw changes. 

“Failure to address these issues could result in further action, including legal and regulatory reviews, and may lead to continued restrictions on your use of University resources and facilities,” the letter reads.

“The university is open to rescheduling the booking, but first expects the KSA to take its concerns seriously and act in the best interests of its members.”

The KSA has since stated they are committed to improving students’ lives on and off campus, and are open to hearing from students. 

“As we work to meet the mandate of members, we remain open to having a dialogue to discuss issues that continue to be of importance for KPU students,” the statement reads. 

The Runner reached out to KSA President Yashanpreet Guron and Vice President External Affairs Paramvir Singh for a comment about the statement and KPU’s letter, but did not hear back before publication.