The Queen’s College (QC) Old Students Association on Thursday issued an “unreserved” apology over a video it produced to welcome new students to the school, which critics said failed to reflect the ethnic diversity of the student body.
“In retrospect, we recognize that our video failed to exhibit the full breadth of the diversity of the Queen’s College experience, causing members of our community to feel excluded. We recognize that by doing so, we unintentionally caused hurt,” the Association said in a statement posted on its Facebook page in wake of the controversy generated by the video.
“We unreservedly and sincerely apologize as that was never our intention. We trust that it goes without saying that it was an innocent, well-intentioned effort. We value the call to be accountable,” it added.
The short video featured QC alumni, including Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, reflecting on the history of the institution, telling new students that they were now part of it and urging that they take advantage of all the school has to offer.
The complexion of those featured was noticed by critics, who took the Association to task for failing to represent the wide diversity of the student body.
“What shall we call it? Erasure? Light washing? Crass? Disrespectful? Every day we are having conversations about the importance of representation and this is produced and published?” former student Thandeka Percival posted on her page in response to the video.
Percival told this newspaper that she was also concerned that the video was already shown to students as part of orientation, while noting that in her comment on the original video she expressed concern about a dark complexioned student having to watch it.
With the publication of the apology, questions have also been raised about the leadership of the Association, which would have approved the video for publication.
“I hope this apology is sincere, but this came from a lack of a diverse leadership mindset. This was approved by leadership, a fundamental blindspot that must be reviewed and remedied immediately. There is no place for this at Queen’s College. This must never happen again at our Alma Mater. #qcaaga,” Debra Welch wrote in the comments on the apology.
The Association’s statement noted that its mandate has been and remains to be in the best interest of every student despite their race, class or creed and affirmed that its work with the college, its staff and students has reflected that.