Media Release
July 9, 2020
CAN THE NOVA SCOTIA COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN AFFORD TO LOSE PRESIDENT MAC NAMARA: NOVA SCOTIA’S WORLD CLASS ART UNIVERSITY REMOVES ANTI-RACIST PRESIDENT FROM DUTIES
For Immediate Release
HALIFAX, JULY 9, 2020–The Nova Scotia Art Educators Society is expressing its concern today for the future of the NSCAD University.
“The Board of Governors’ decision to remove President Aoiffe Mac Namara from her duties at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design appears to deny her efforts to lead the University through systemic anti-racism changes. We believe this jeopardizes the future of the University’s reputation as a world leader in fine arts education,” says society spokesperson Robin Jensen.
The NSAES acknowledges that Dr. Mac Namara’s efforts have earned widespread support from diverse communities and that her removal is painting a very negative picture for young people around the world thinking about studying here in Nova Scotia.
“NSCAD’s primary function is as an arts education institution and the Board of Governors’ decision puts that learning at risk, provoking more uncertainty in the lives of students and educators during a global pandemic. The Nova Scotia Art Educators Society believes that reinstating Dr. Mac Namara is a crucial step towards a more equitable and successful future for the University”.
“The Nova Scotia Art Educators Society asks the Board of Governors to:
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CONTACT:
Robin Jensen
cell:902-229-9749
Nsarteducators.ca The Nova Scotia Art Educators Society is a non-profit organization created by teachers to advocate for visual arts education in Nova Scotia. More information about the NSAES at nsarteducators.ca and on social media.