Alberta Soccer regional president's suspension lifted after disciplinary hearing over inclusivity comments
CBC
The Central Alberta Soccer Association (CASA) president who was suspended in October over what its parent organization described as "disgusting and offensive" comments in an internal email says he has been reinstated after a disciplinary hearing, but the parent organization says it is appealing the decision.
Jon Mulder says he's "relieved" by the decision but also "frustrated" by the process that Alberta Soccer has put him through.
A copy the email, sent on Oct. 4 from Mulder's account to 10 people within Alberta Soccer, was obtained by CBC News last fall.
His email came in response to an earlier email sent on behalf of Alberta Soccer executive director Lisa Grant, informing members of an upcoming conference on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
The conference, hosted by Canada Soccer, was described as focusing on "women and girls in soccer, LGBTQ+ inclusion, all-abilities soccer, anti-racism, and new-to-Canada participants in soccer."
Mulder's email said the initiatives "discriminate against Canadians, especially young males of European descent."
"Only perverts and predators wish to discuss sex and sexuality with other people's children," the email went on to say.
"Adults don't need to discuss their sexual proclivities in order to participate in community sports."
Alberta Soccer suspended Mulder in response.
Grant told CBC News at the time that the organization, which governs soccer in Alberta, "acted swiftly as these comments and behaviours will not be tolerated."
Later in October, Mulder issued a news release saying his "quick email response ... was perhaps a bit aggressive" while adding that "my key message was that inclusivity must be full spectrum in nature — being sure to also include the majority of those already participating in our soccer programs."
"I have always encouraged Albertans of all ages — including women and girls, LGBTQ+, newcomers, and persons of all races and backgrounds — to participate in sports, particularly soccer, in our communities," he said in the Oct. 19 release.
In subsequent news releases in November and December, he took issue with Alberta Soccer's proposed timing for a disciplinary hearing and appointees to the hearing panel.
An internal disciplinary hearing was convened on Dec. 6 and it rendered its decision on Dec. 19.
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