"My primary concern is the overall lack of skepticism regarding the numerous claims made by the university administration and McGill’s President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini. I take issue with the assertions that the students were violent, that “most of the people there were not students,” and that there had been overdoses and illegal drug use at the camp."
July 11, 2024
To:
Sabrina Jonas, Digital Reporter, CBC News
Matthew Lapierre, Journalist, CBC News
Nancy Waugh, Managing Editor, CBC News
Brodie Fenlon, News Editor-in-Chief, CBC News
Dear Ms. Jonas, Mr. Lapierre, Ms. Waugh, Mr. Fenlon, and Mr. Moore,
I am writing to express my concern about the article “McGill dismantles pro-Palestinian encampment, ending months-long protest on campus,” published by CBC on July 10. The article overall perpetuates a one-sided view of McGill’s administration and does not adequately provide perspectives from the students who were at the encampment for three months.
My primary concern is the overall lack of skepticism regarding the numerous claims made by the university administration and McGill’s President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini. I take issue with the assertions that the students were violent, that “most of the people there were not students,” and that there had been overdoses and illegal drug use at the camp.
Other coverage of the dismantling of the encampment by other media outlets adhered to journalistic standards of fairness by providing those publicly accused or criticized the opportunity to respond.
According to an article by Coordinating Editor Maria Cholakova from the Link Newspaper, a spokesperson for SPHR McGill stated that the university mischaracterized the camp by using photos of syringes from Sherbrooke Street, falsely presenting them as being inside the camp. SPHR also accused McGill of cutting off campus electricity at night, dragging students into legal battles, and falsely alleging violence. Additionally, another student claimed they were violently removed from the encampment without warning by the private security firm.
I am surprised that CBC did not attempt to investigate any of these claims by the university or interview more students involved at the encampment. Given that these critical facts were omitted from your reporting, your failure to raise skepticism around these claims of violence and drug use leads the reader to falsely conclude that the school administration's actions against students protesting against McGill were justified.
The CBC should have presented a diverse range of sources but fell short in this case. It is your responsibility as journalists to approach such statements with skepticism and either frame them clearly as allegations or highlight other voices that dispute such claims.
Lastly, while it is commendable that you included nurse Scott Weinstein's pushback against the drug use claim, his quote is buried in the 22nd paragraph. This placement is irresponsible. Most readers primarily engage with an article's headline, lede, and nut graph, rarely reading the entire piece. Burying essential context and perspectives at the bottom of the article fundamentally alters the audience's perception of the story.
Please consider these points and make the necessary revisions to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased portrayal of this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East