And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (S.I.S.I.S.) writes: CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS FACING INTERNAL INQUIRY Canadian University Press/The Martlet, January 21, 1999 Vancouver (CUP) - The Canadian Federation of Students could find itself staring at an expensive phone bill after its members participate in a conference call to discuss a public inquiry into allegations of racism and sexism within the organization. The federation's members mandated the inquiry in response to what some say was a mishandling of the fallout of a staff member's court appearance. Philip Link, then a staff member with the federation's British Columbia component, was cleared of assault last June in BC Provincial Court in relation to an incident involving Lanna Many Grey Horses, the organization's former BC Aboriginal Students Liaison. Concerns arose within the CFS when, a few months after Link's court appearance, he was hired to work in the CFS National Office. At least one member school considered leaving the organization because of Link's new appointment. While the CFS is now poised to address concerns raised through the Link situation, critics say the CFS's delayed reaction is cause for criticism. "I think that the leadership had to be forced to address this issue and I think that's a problem," said Marjorie Brown of the University of Regina Student's Union. Leigh Borden, vice president of Memorial University's student union, also says the national executive failed to properly address concerns about Link. The committee is currently developing guidelines to present at the CFS's May meeting. The inquiry may take up to two years.
