Union at Conestoga College call for school's president to 'consider retirement' after controversial comments

Two groups of unionized workers at Conestoga College have condemned comments made by the school's president last week and in an open letter, called for him to "consider retirement."

Last week during a presentation about the college's impact on the community and economy, Conestoga's president John Tibbits was heard using the word "whore" when referring to Sault College, it was reported by the website CambridgeToday.

The comments from Tibbits came after Sault College president David Orazietti was critical of Conestoga College, calling the school a "bad actor" when it comes to international students. Orazietti has also called for Ontario's auditor general to investigate Conestoga College.

In a joint letter sent to the college on Friday, OPSEU Locals 238 and 237 said they wanted to "express our condemnation of the president's recent public derogatory comments about sex workers and international students."

"An apology and investigation are only the first steps to re-establishing Conestoga's values of inclusivity and respect; we are also calling for John Tibbits to consider retirement," the letter said.

OPSEU Local 238 represents support staff at the college and Local 237 represents faculty.

The letter said Tibbit's comments went against the college's employee code of conduct and said his use of the derogatory term was hurtful to women and sex workers.

The financial situation of international students has made headlines in recent months, including the difficulty in finding housing and affording food. The letter also said Tibbit's description of international students "choosing to live the way they do" is the college president making "ignorant, hurtful, and untrue remarks."

"Retiring will signal that he is taking responsibility for his actions, and it will give him space to reflect on the harm these comments have wrought," the letter said.

"In retirement, he will have the time he needs to educate himself on the damaging effect of sexist language and narratives that stigmatize sex workers and international students. In our joint responsibility to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, we ask the president to take responsibility for his actions and make space for more diversity in Conestoga's leadership."

In an interview with CBC K-W, Tibbits said he regretted using the derogatory word, but he was not sorry he made critical remarks about Sault College.

In a letter issued Thursday, Conestoga College's board of governors said they were "concerned" about the remarks.

"The language used is unacceptable and does not align with the values and principles of our institution," the statement on the college's website said.

"Dr. Tibbits has communicated his regret for making those comments and apologizes for the offensive remarks. The board is reviewing this matter internally."