Content warning: discussion of mental health crisis and suicide
It’s been 256 days since UofT’s initial shut down. We find ourselves searching for the same things we were in September, be it comfort, assurance, hope, or solidarity. We are being asked to cope, to make the best out of a bad situation. Yet it’s becoming increasingly evident that this situation is less the fault of individual actions and more a product of a capitalist system that values profits over human life, a system which the University of Toronto is a part of. Student safety, peace of mind, and well-being are all at a disadvantage in many ways under the current structure of the University. Just this month, another student took their own life. We’re all aware of the mental crisis that UofT has faced for years. We published a piece a year ago, examining the Presidential & Provostial Task Force on Student Mental Health, which refused to acknowledge this issue as a time-sensitive matter, as a crisis. It’s safe to say that nothing has changed. On top of this, the University’s confusing COVID-19 policies have left many feeling isolated and confused. Here at The Strand, we are committed to asking the question: How are the systems that are meant to hold us up taking advantage of our downfall?
While this may seem like we’re taking a bleak focus, we want to remind you that if you’re having trouble coping, it’s not your fault. The Ontario government continues to posit that the solution to the COVID-19 pandemic is an individual one: we all must do our part and stay home. While Doug Ford has finally decided to implement another lockdown, it has come much too late. While some people have the luxury of deciding whether or not they can leave the house, most people must continue to work regardless of safety, as case numbers break new records each day.
During this time, we continue to use our resources to allow people to communicate what they are going through, and what they are thinking about. In Features, Felicia Ceban reflects on how COVID-19 can affect your sense of self. In Opinions, Falak Navez gives a South Asian perspective on what Kamala Harris represents. In Arts and Culture, Kate Raposo lets us in on the secret of the Mario Brothers movie. In science, Joe Walton looks at COVID and retroviruses, and what this might mean for fighting cancer.
Sydney Gram discusses UofT divestment in News, while in Stranded, a satirical piece jokes that the “largest charitable gift in Canadian history [has been] given to oil executives” in response to the recent $250 million donation to the University. Given that UofT holds $11.4 billion in assets, with only $3 million spent on mitigating the mental health crisis, this may not be far from reality.
Looking back over the past semester, our editorials seem to have flowed between turning the mirror on the reality of systemic issues at UofT and an emphasis on self-care and mental health.
We’d like to close out the term by reminding you to keep a balance between these two. Care for yourself, care for others, put your own health ahead of your schoolwork. If you feel misled, angry, or let down, let us know how and why at [email protected] so we can continue holding the University accountable. Consider getting involved with student organizations which do the same. We hope you enjoy your well-deserved rest, and we’ll see you in 2021.
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