Statement from the University of Regina
As an institute of higher learning, the University of Regina seeks to encourage open, civil
and robust discussion on controversial issues. This may include hosting public lectures
by scholars whose ideas might address controversial, but important questions, or those
who may have had working relationships with controversial persons.
In this particular case, George Elliott Clarke, a highly-respected, well-known Canadian
poet, was invited by the Faculty of Arts to deliver this year’s Woodrow Lloyd Lecture.
Clarke’s own work is beyond reproach. He champions social justice, particularly in the
areas of Truth and Reconciliation and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and
Girls (MMIWG). He is of Indigenous ancestry himself.
At issue for some is the fact that Clarke has had a professional relationship with Stephen
Brown (formerly Stephen Kummerfield). Specifically, Clarke has edited some of his
poetry. Kummerfield was convicted of manslaughter in the 1995, Regina-area killing of
Pamela George, an Indigenous woman. The Faculty of Arts was unaware of this
relationship when the invitation to speak was first extended. The selection committee
may have made a different choice of speaker had it been aware of the relationship in
advance. But that point is moot now. The committee made its selection and issued an
invitation. The Faculty will stand by the invitation and looks forward to hearing Clarke’s
strong message against violence and racism.
Neither George Elliott Clarke, nor the Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina, in any
way condones Kummerfield’s heinous crime. In fact, they both fully support the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, including publicly acknowledging and
condemning any violence directed towards Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
Having Clarke speak at the University is witness to that commitment.
Furthermore, and as a matter of principle, denying someone a speaking platform, or
censoring their message, simply because they have had a working relationship with a
convicted criminal goes against everything a university should stand for.
Dr. Richard Kleer – Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Regina