Students protest decision by George Brown College to scale back jewelry and gemmology programs

Scores of George Brown College students marched in protest on Wednesday against a school decision to scale back some of its jewelry and gemmology programs this fall.

Protest organizers said students want the college to keep its three-year jewelry arts, two-year jewelry methods and one-year gemmology programs, saying they are unique in Canada and provide students with valuable hands-on learning. All three programs are part of the college's school of fashion and jewelry.

Waving flags and wearing pins, George Brown College students gathered at the college's Casa Loma campus, then headed to its waterfront campus, where they hand-delivered letters of concern to school officials. 

The college says some of its jewelry and gemmology programs will not accept new students this September partly due to a drop in enrolment. On its website, the college indicates it is only accepting new students for its one-year jewelry essentials program this fall.

"To shut it down is not only a slap in the face but also just so backwards because it's like we're regressing," Ghazal Ghahreman, a first-year student in jewelry arts, told CBC Toronto during the march. "This program is absolutely invaluable."

Holding a "Save GBC Jewellery" sign, Ghahreman said the programs provide students with technical skills and prepare them for careers in the jewelry industry in Canada once they graduate. Jewelry companies in Canada hire graduates, she added.

In a letter to the college, Ghahreman said: "You are not simply closing doors to students like myself, but shutting out the future of countless professionals, the artisans, and innovators who will come after us, leaving them adrift without the foundation this program has provided for over half a century."

In a statement Wednesday, the college said a federal cap on international students has created difficulties for colleges across Canada.

"Recent federal policy changes have reduced international student enrolment, creating financial challenges across the sector," the statement said in part.

"Program reviews are an ongoing process, with decisions based on factors such as enrolment trends, financial sustainability, and labour market demand. The Jewellery and Gemmology programs remain valued at George Brown College, and we are working with sector partners to assess future opportunities."

The college says current students in good standing will be able to graduate "without disruption" and it is providing support to faculty.

On its website, the college says: "We are one of North America's largest and best-equipped jewellery schools in Ontario. You'll get to work with your hands and learn from faculty who are experts in this growing industry, using precious metals and gems in a hands-on environment with state-of-the-art tools and equipment."

Lua Hariri, a protest organizer and a first-year student in the jewelry methods program, said before the march that the decision not to accept new students is devastating to students.

"Honestly, I feel disheartened. I'm really upset with the situation, especially since I've just started. I've never seen a group of people be so upset about something and so emotional about something. We've had people crying. We've had people emotionally distressed," Hariri said.