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The YUFA Executive passed a motion in opposition to a war in Iraq that has previously been passed by the University of Manitoba Faculty Association.

Be It Resolved That YUFA Endorse The Following Statement:

As an organization of scholars and academics, the York University Faculty Association (YUFA) joins with other faculty associations and the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in a commitment to resolving disputes through reason, knowledge and understanding, not violence.

At the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education held in Paris in 1998, CAUT proposed a resolution, "Towards a Culture of Peace." The resolution was received enthusiastically by the Canadian delegation, by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, and by other delegates in Paris. The resolution stated:

"Whereas, in spite of progress in diverse scientific and technological areas, human society continues to be ravaged by constant war, and, the existence and continuing proliferation of atomic weapons and anti-personal devices throughout the world pose a serious threat to human and animal kind, and, the year 2000 has been designated as the International Year for the Culture of Peace.

"Be it resolved that higher education and teaching personnel, together with their institutions, be called upon seriously to contribute their expertise in the various disciplines, scientific and humanistic, to transforming the present culture of war into a culture of peace."

Now there is a very real possibility of declaration of war on Iraq. An invasion of Iraq may lead to prolonged instability in that country; destabilization of the wider Middle East including the possibility of a prolonged and heightened conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, increased popular appeal of radical Islamic movements and increased terrorism. Invading Iraq will probably make both the region and the world less secure. It will also result in the death of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Iraqi civilians.

It is clearly in the interest of world peace and stability that UN weapons inspectors be allowed to do their work. It is also in the interests of all peoples and nations of the Middle East that threats of violence and unilateral military action cease, and that all diplomatic and political efforts are made to resolve the region's serious differences and conflicts without the loss of lives.

And Be It Further Resolved That YUFA Will:
Call upon Prime Minister Chretien and Members of Parliament to oppose an attack on Iraq and to use Canada's influence to achieve a diplomatic solution to the conflict; and

Participate in anti-war actions that promote peace, international law, negotiated solutions to conflict, and citizen participation in decision-making about foreign policy; and

Speak out loudly against all forms of discrimination and bigotry, including anti-Arab, anti-Islam, and anti-Semitic sentiments wherever they may appear.

Passed by the Executive of the York University Faculty Association, March 4, 2003.