‘We would call it an example of systemic discrimination’
St. Francis Xavier University will be reviewing the long-standing tradition that sees the Bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish automatically named Chancellor. A university spokesperson confirmed to the Chronicle Herald that a committee has been appointed to examine St FX’s bylaws “with specific attention paid to reviewing the role of and process for selection of chancellor.” The university is evidently responding to advocacy from students Kurt Andersen and Cam Fleming, and others, who have been calling for the change. “We would call it an example of systemic discrimination . . . Since the bishop is the only person who can ascend to the chancellorship, a woman could never become chancellor and people of any other religious background could never become chancellor,” Andersen said. The review is expected to take a year, a time frame the group is dissatisfied with. A press release signed by Andersen, Fleming, and a handful of professors and other students suggested a complaint could be filed with the Human Rights Commission, if the process is not sped up.