Engler appeals ban

A letter of appeal to the Board of Governors (BoG) was filed by Yves Engler, Concordia Student Union (CSU) councillor banned from campus for five years, last Friday.

“I think at the end of the day, [Concordia Rector Frederick Lowy] will be forced to change his decision, but I haven’t been able to go to school for eight months,” said Engler.

Lowy expels Engler

Lowy informed Engler of his decision to expel him in a letter written on Dec.15, 2003. The letter refers to Engler’s violations of his suspension last semester and “stickering.”

“Vandalism, in any form, is not acceptable and your presence on campus, despite several warnings, clearly constitutes a challenge the university’s authority,” Lowy wrote.

Engler argues, “There’s nothing illegal about challenging authority.” He also said it is not within Lowy’s powers to expel him.

According to article 55 of the Code of Rights and Responsibilities, if a student does not fulfill his sanction, the dean of students can recommend to the rector that the sanction be re-imposed.

Engler is also challenging not having been contacted before being expelled to give his side of the story. “He uses allegations against me, but in a proper legal setting you have the right to refute allegations,” he said.

Chris Mota, media relations co-ordinator, said the administration cannot comment on the Engler’s appeal until the university responds to it.

Engler was originally suspended in the spring of 2003 on charges of “stickering,” refusing to remove his table during the ban on tabling on the Mezzanine and his presence during the Sept. 9, 2002 protest.

Because Engler was present on campus during the summer, Lowy decided to extend his suspension until the end of the fall semester. In September, Engler was again found on campus to attend a CSU council meeting and was arrested.

Engler said he believed he was fulfilling his suspension by not taking classes, but that he had the right to use student union space.

Freedman accused of bias

His letter of appeal refers to two main arguments: alleged bias of Bram Freedman, former general counsel and assistant general, who resigned in the fall and alleged pressure tactics by Peter C

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