By Al Downham
The Ryerson Feminist Collective has withdrawn its application to become a Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) student group after controversial restructuring that resulted in two layoffs.
On Dec. 1, the position of RSU Executive Director of Communications and Outreach was eliminated and Gilary Massa, who was on maternity leave, and Dina Skvirsky, Massa’s temporary replacement, were both laid off. In a public statement, the group said they’re “unwilling to stand by.”
“We do not support an RSU that does not support women, especially women of colour,” the statement said. “We do not support an RSU that values ‘saving money’ over two people’s livelihoods for no tangible reason besides ‘restructuring.’”
The post also said the collective supports Reignite Ryerson’s recent statement about the layoffs.
The restructuring responsible for the layoffs began on Oct. 20 when the RSU posted an opening for a new general manager on their website. Natasha Campagna, the former student engagement and business development coordinator of the Ryerson Commerce Society, filled the position and started on Nov. 30. Her role is to help annually-changing executives transition into their new positions and overlook financial operations.
“This was not an easy decision at all for anybody involved,” RSU president Andrea Bartlett told The Eyeopener, adding the changes would “better service students.”
Although they’ve withdrawn their application, the collective plans to operate on campus as an unofficial student group.
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