Darren retweetledi
Exactly two years ago, the University of Ottawa suspended me from my medical residency training in public health because of social media posts in support of Palestinian human rights. They framed my social media posts as “unprofessional”. The irony being that I studied the impacts of settler colonialism on health in Palestine during my public health training. They messed with the wrong person.
They later reinstated me, without any apology, so I left their racist institution to put my time and energy to places and people who actually deserve it. It’s been a year since I filed a human rights complaint against the university, and they continue to try to dismiss the case with frivolous motions with factual inaccuracies, but the court seems to acknowledge the value in hearing the case. It is blatant discrimination on basis of anti-Palestinian racism. I’m taking them (and the faculty member who doxxed me) to a provincial human rights tribunal to seek accountability and justice.
To anyone else who is facing similar forms of repression for solidarity with Palestine - remember you are on the right side of history. To stand against genocide is the most decent and moral position to take. To oppose genocide as a healthcare worker is the most professional position to take. Keep your head held high. The institutions will come around when there is no political or economic cost to oppose genocide. Until then, we will keep persisting and pushing back against bullies and racist institutions. Free Palestine, from the river to the sea.
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