Trent Faculty Association deplores Court’s treatment of Member
[2008 03 25]Peterborough, Ontario -On February 15th Professor Paula Sherman ,a Trent University Faculty Association (TUFA) member, was charged with contempt of court, sentenced to six months in jail and fined $15,000 by Superior Court Justice, Douglas Cunningham. Her colleague, Robert Lovelace, a Queen’s Professor, was also jailed for six months and fined $25,000.
Fearing for the well-being of her children and grandchild, Sherman, a single mother negotiated with the court to avoid a jail sentence. As part of the agreement, Professor Sherman is prohibited from participating in, or advocating that others participate in, protests against uranium mining on native lands near Sharbot Lake, Ontario. She must also be active in persuading others to abide by a court-ordered injunction halting the blockade protest that led to the arrests and convictions.
The protest and blockade began over concerns that the provincial government had failed to provide adequate consultation with the aboriginal communities prior to the issuing of mining exploration permits. Sherman and Lovelace argued that the right of aboriginal communities to this consultation has been upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada and that First Nations’ Law was not respected in the court room. Speaking after the trial, Sherman, a respected academic and Co-Chief of the Ardoch First Nation said: “No consideration was given to the circumstances that led to our actions,” and that she and Lovelace were acting in compliance with Algonquin Law through their actions against the uranium mining company.
The Union memberships has voiced concerns that a sentence which includes jail time for Lovelace and a fine that imposes economic hardship upon Sherman sends a message that the courts place the interests of large corporations above the rights and obligations of first nations people to protect their traditional lands.
On Monday March 3rd, the TUFA executive board formally condemned the decision of the court stating that the treatment of its member violates her right to public protest as a citizen and obstructs her academic freedom which includes the right to criticize without threat of reprisal or discrimination. On behalf of TUFA, the board has also made a $1000.00 contribution to the defence fund that has been established to support Sherman.
For further information contact:
Susan Wurtele, President, TUFA
( or phone 705 748-1011 x 7334)
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