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Smith, who is transgender but uses masculine pronouns, has compared gender-inclusive educational resources in B.C. schools to “brainwashing.” He denies he promotes hate speech.

Photo by Nick Procaylo / PNG

He spoke at UBC on June 23 after similar talks co-organized by the Canadian Christian Lobby were cancelled at Douglas College and Trinity Western University.

UBC defended the talk, with Provost Andrew Szeri stating “support for members of our own community, and work in education and research, can be regarded in balance with the institution’s commitment to freedom of expression.”

That decision was met with widespread condemnation from students, teachers and activists, who said it loaned legitimacy to Smith’s views.

Jonathan Turcotte-Summers, a member of UBC Students against bigotry, said students felt “betrayed” by UBC’s “complacent attitude toward hate on campus.”

Chris Hakim, president of UBC’s Alma Mater Society — its student union — says he’s disappointed but supports the society’s decision and their steps to include queer and trans UBC students in the March.

Photo by Nick Procaylo / PNG

“At the end of the day, the AMS is here to represent our students, especially those who are part of under-represented and marginalized communities.”

The society says it met Szeri and staff on July 3 to urge the university to consider revising its booking policy, which currently prohibits events contrary to the B.C. Human Rights Code.

In a statement, Szeri said the school is responding by reconvening a working group on improving its policies.

“UBC remains committed to finding more ways to maintain a respectful environment for everyone in our community,” wrote Szeri.

Arnot says if UBC amends its booking policy, it will be welcome back to the parade in 2020 — but not this year.

Turcotte-Summers says more has to be done, citing a recent series of allegedly “bigoted” speakers booked on campus in recent months.

“That hate and discrimination has just been allowed to fester on campus,” he says.

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