VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Michael Korenberg has resigned his position as chair of UBC’s Board of Governors after his social media activity suggested he supported commentators condemning Black Lives Matter protests.
Saturday’s resignation comes “after information that was publicized last week about his social media interactions that appeared to support regressive voices online and undermine legitimate protest,” according to the university.
The campus group Students Against Bigotry posted a series of screenshots of Korenberg’s social media activity earlier in the week.
One tweet Korenberg liked described those protesting racism as the “paramilitary wing” of the Democratic Party, likening them to Nazi Storm Troopers. Other interactions included liking tweets by Fox News host Tucker Carlson who has called white supremacy a “hoax,” and those by Sean Hannity, another Fox News host, who has compared Black Lives Matter activists to the Ku Klux Klan.
In a statement, Sandra Cawley, the current vice-chair of the board, says committing to anti-racism and anti-discrimination is particularly important at this moment in time.
“The Board of Governors and Mr. Korenberg would like to recognize that this has been deeply hurtful to members of our community and that UBC has zero-tolerance for racism and recognizes that real harm is created from both overt and structural racism,” reads the statement.
“We as the Board reaffirm our commitment to anti-racism and anti-discrimination, particularly at this moment where collectively we need to advance the actions of the university, to engage in learning and provide strong leadership. As Board members, we must also hold ourselves accountable.”
Korenberg has also issued a statement apologizing, and affirming his support for Black Lives Matter.
Today I stepped down as Chair of the Board of Governors of UBC. I owe all students, faculty and staff and all those who stand against all forms of discrimination, an apology. I do so with all my heart. pic.twitter.com/tDczgwvmbp
— Michael Korenberg (@Mikey4493) June 21, 2020
Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, issued a statement addressing Korenberg’s resignation.
“Our government and UBC are deeply committed to inclusion, justice and equity for all.
“The university has an inclusion action plan and has begun implementing it. I believe UBC will continue its work to provide a world-class education to all of its students in a safe and supportive community environment.”
According to UBC, the Board of Governors has “responsibility for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the University. Members of the UBC Board of Governors are volunteers and serve the University without remuneration.”
