A student association at Carleton University plans to reverse its decision to cancel the school's Shinerama fundraiser for cystic fibrosis after national backlash over wording in a motion that said the disease was not inclusive and only affects "white people, and primarily men."
According to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, that statement is untrue. The disease primarily affects Caucasians, which includes South Asian, Arab and North African populations, and both genders equally.
"The next council meeting, our executive is planning on passing a motion to repeal the last decision. There's just been too much confusion about it and we don't want people to get the wrong idea about why students voted in favour of it. So, we're looking to take it back altogether," said Brittany Smyth, president of the students' association.
She added that councillors believe cystic fibrosis to be a very worthwhile cause and said the decision was a response to the idea some students had to simply switch charities.
"I think everyone at the council really did have the best intentions with it," Smyth said. "Nobody meant any ill will to anyone who has been affected or touched by cystic fibrosis at all. And we really do apologize for all of this confusion. It's not what we meant for Carleton students at all."
She said if the new motion passes, Shinerama will go ahead as planned next September.
Carleton University's president also weighed in on the debate Wednesday morning, releasing a written statement to students that said she believed council would take the appropriate course of action.
"I know that Carleton students are fine young scholars who wish to be responsible and considerate. I am sure that they did not intend to offend by the preamble to their motion, but I am also sure that they now understand the effects of that language," wrote Roseann Runte.
"I am convinced that our students will do the right thing and take the appropriate course of action."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation told CTV Ottawa although the situation was a tough lesson for a small group of students; the experience helped create awareness for the cause and likely had a positive affect.
"Now that they do have the correct information, I think we are able to get back on the right track," said Nadine Imbleau-Redman.
Despite the students' association's pledge to reverse the decision, a group of angered Carleton students plan to go ahead with a rally Thursday at noon to demand a public apology.
Carleton students have participated in Shinerama for 24 years and have raised nearly $1 million for the cause.
Shinerama began in 1964, and events are held at about 60 Canadian university and college campuses. Students shine shoes, wash cars and hold other fundraising events as part of the campaign. The program has raised nearly $19 million for the CCFF.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
