Some Memorial University alumni disagree with an open letter signed by MUN faculty, staff and students questioning President Vianne Timmons’ recent participation in a provincial plea for federal assistance for the oil and gas industry.
The new MUN President ruffled feathers with what some call her “open-ended” public support for the industry, particularly in the wake of Memorial’s Crisis Pledge made last fall.
Timmons, meanwhile, welcomes opposing views, and does not see her endorsement as a lesser commitment to climate change.
For the record, as a Mun Alumni, the open letter does not speak for me. @VOCMNEWS
— charlene johnson (@charlene5791) June 2, 2020
Noia President Charlene Johnson, who has indicated her members are suffering due to the downturn, tweeted out yesterday saying the letter does not speak for her.
A number of other alumni followed suit in response indicating that the letter does not speak for them either.
For the record, as a MUN Alumni, this open letter does not reflect my views. @vianne_timmons thank you for speaking out in support of an industry which was contributed so much to the @MemorialU community. #MyOffshoreMyFuture https://t.co/G6Car86UuN
— Melissa Blackmore (@melissblackmore) June 2, 2020
🤔From a MUN business graduate; NL Oil&Gas is very important to MUN. Student workterms, funding for research & infrastructure, charity support & scholarships. Tuition will rise without it. Support Oil&Gas industry now to help grow a greener NL. My kids would like to go to MUN! 🤞
— Jennifer Higdon (@jenniferhdu) June 2, 2020
