As we move on to a new year, it is time to recall some of the biggest news stories from the last 12 months, both on campus and around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic

The novel coronavirus was declared a global pandemic last March. Presently, it has spread to over 200 countries and territories, and the death toll has exceeded one million worldwide. This is the first time a coronavirus public health emergency has been announced as a global pandemic.

The first presumptive case of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan appeared on March 12. Following that, the University of Saskatchewan combated the spread of the virus by cancelling in-person classes starting on March 13. 

The local Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre has researchers at the U of S assisting with the development of a vaccine. They are currently preparing to begin human trials. Two approved vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, are currently being distributed in Canada.

The Black Lives Matter movement 

Black Lives Matter, an anti-racism movement focused on police brutality against Black people, amassed the support of millions around the globe this summer. Many were stunned and horrified by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by police officers who were using excessive force and brutality during his arrest. The protests that followed, taking place not only in the United States but worldwide, became one of the largest social movements in 2020.

Many people and organizations used this time to reflect on their own actions and policies, changing them to be a better ally to the movement or to simply keep up with the times. Some people were criticized for discrimination or prejudice and held accountable for changing their behaviour. The movement reached many places in Saskatoon and within the U of S.

Del Surjik, the former artistic director of Saskatoon’s Persephone Theatre, resigned in June after 12 years following a #BlackOutTuesday post on the theatre’s social media that was met with heavy criticism. Former and current Persephone staff members pointed out that the theatre had not been vocal about the movement prior to this, and spoke up about experiencing racism during their time working at the theatre.

Within the university, the College of Education administration was under fire after an open letter written by alumni raised concerns about racism within the college, particularly directed at Indigenous staff, faculty and students. The letter called for the resignation of the current administration, a demand that was not met.

The university introduced an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy in November to replace the 1994 Employment Equity Policy that had previously been used as a guideline. The hope for this initiative is for people at the university to assess their own biases and prejudices, and work towards being more inclusive.

Local and global elections

Last year was also distinctive for the local and international elections. The U of S Students’ Union held their elections with online campaigning in March for executive and senate positions, resulting in Autumn LaRose-Smith becoming the 2020-21 president, the first Indigenous woman to hold the position.

The Saskatchewan provincial election was held in October, with Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party re-elected. In addition to this, there was also the Saskatoon municipal election in November, where Mayor Charlie Clark was re-elected.

In November, the United States held a presidential election, with record-breaking voter turnout despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and Joe Biden was voted to be the next president. The Democratic Party beat Donald Trump and the Republican Party 306-232 in the electoral vote count.

What’s new on campus  

The vice-provost faculty relations Ken Wilson did not sign off on a philosophy tenure position, making the department worried it may lose its graduate program because of a lack of faculty members. More recently, the candidate was ultimately hired and the position has been filled.

The new campus building in Prince Albert reopened in September after renovations on the building, bought in 2018, were finally completed. The hope for this campus is to help extend the university’s reach throughout the entire province.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students have been unable to live on campus since the Fall Term. The university also switched to almost entirely remote and online learning for both the Fall 2020 and the Winter 2021 terms.

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Beth Zentner | Contributing Reporter

Photos: Ammara Syeda, Autumn LaRose-Smith, David Stobbe

Graphic: Anh Phan | Design Editor