Yesterday afternoon, York University issued the following statement about the York Federation of Students election. Earlier comments are available in today’s York in the Media section, and those of previous days (select York in the Media).
Following extensive consultations, York University has decided to recognize the results of the November 2003 York Federation of Students (YFS) election. Effective immediately, the University will work with the winners of the November election, which include candidates who ran on the “Progress Not Politics” slate and won 27 out of 32 positions on YFS Council, including all four executive positions.
“The current process for resolving this dispute has fallen short of University standards for a responsible, orderly and democratic transition of student government,” said Bonnie Neuman, vice-president, students, who led consultations with YFS, students, dean, and other members of the York community.
“After nearly two months, it is clear that the former YFS Council has been unable to resolve the current impasse over election ratification procedures,” said Neuman. “York students who participated in the November election have a reasonable expectation to see that the candidates they elected take up their responsibilities. With the University’s recognition of the election results we intend to move forward with a common agenda that serves the best interests of all York students and the York community as a whole.”
On Jan. 12, the University suspended the transfer of new funding from student levies to YFS and installed a financial monitor to work with the business manager of YFS to monitor all future financial expenditures.
The University will work with the incoming council to ensure that York students continue to receive all services provided by YFS, including continued delivery of the student health plan and support for student clubs and organizations on campus.