At the University of British Columbia (UBC), tensions flared during an event organized by the OneBC political party led by Dallas Brodie. This confrontation on campus involved nearly 1,000 participants, with OneBC supporters and their opponents clashing for nearly an hour before police intervention.
Event Overview
On January 20, 2023, Brodie announced plans for an event at the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre. She stated that “truth cannot exist without discussions and debates,” aiming to foster dialogue among students and attendees. However, opposition to the event escalated rapidly.
Reaction to the OneBC Event
Following the announcement, social media reactions surfaced, emphasizing solidarity with survivors rather than merely protesting. Significant organizing efforts took place in the days leading up to the event. This culminated in a vibrant assembly of opposing views on campus.
- Event attendees included OneBC supporters and a large group of protesters.
- Participants engaged in chanting, singing, and playing instruments around the speakers.
- Physical altercations occurred multiple times, requiring intervention from RCMP and campus security.
Police and Security Response
As tensions mounted, UBC officials assessed safety risks. Campus Security, aided by the RCMP, instructed OneBC members to vacate the premises for their own safety. One individual was arrested but later released without charges. The situation escalated as OneBC supporters sought shelter in the UBC Aquatic Centre, leading to a standoff.
TransLink later confirmed it had facilitated the transport of about 50 individuals from UBC campus, following a request from the University RCMP to enhance safety amid the disturbance.
Outcome of the Protest
As the situation concluded, Brodie expressed her belief that the event achieved its purpose, despite the chaos. She shared her thoughts about the day’s events, stating it highlighted ongoing issues that Canadians and British Columbians need to witness. The OneBC group eventually left the campus on a TransLink bus, though both supporters and opponents recorded the event on their smartphones amidst chants urging them to vacate the campus.
This incident illustrates the complexities of public discourse in educational environments and raises questions about freedom of expression versus community safety.
