HALIFAX --- On Thursday, January 24 over 100 NSCAD students disrupted a Board of Governors’ meeting with the intention of bringing forward the Manifesto for a Vibrant, Strong, and Independent NSCAD. NSCAD students, faculty, and staff have collectively written and endorsed the manifesto. Students voted unanimously to approve the manifesto at an emergency General Assembly on Tuesday evening.
In the face of significant cutbacks from the provincial government, the Manifesto defines the values and goals of the involved parties. It is an intended guideline for future political discussions.
This action is a result of a lack of transparency between the Board of Governors and the broader NSCAD community. Students are a primary stakeholder of the institution yet has been excluded from important discussions regarding NSCAD’s future. Up to this point, decision-making has occurred behind closed doors and in camera.
In reaction to the students’ presence the Board of Governors immediately adjourned the meeting and changed location to have a discussion with the provincial government. Students are currently waiting for the Board to officially endorse the Manifesto.
NSCAD University has been chronically under-funded by the government. Students are not asking for a bailout but demanding to be adequately funded. NSCAD University is a public institution and it is crucial that its decision-making processes be open to the public. Students are looking forward to working closely with the Board of Governors and the provincial NDP government to create a strong and autonomous NSCAD.
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