While Memorial University students were being bestowed with their degrees inside the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s this morning, people gathered outside to rally against MUN’s decision to drop the Ode to Newfoundland from convocation ceremonies.
Dozens gathered on the lawn of the Arts and Culture Centre to sing the Ode to Newfoundland.
Protesters singing the Ode to Newfoundland. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/DbrpR6HYWj
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) May 30, 2023
The Ode was dropped from convocation ceremonies last fall, and the Board of Regents decided not to restore the Ode in the spring pending further discussion.
One woman in attendance says the anthem means a lot to many. She told VOCM News her grandfather fought in the Battle of Beaumont Hamel and was also wounded at Monchy-le-Preux. She sang the Ode in his honour today.
A crowd is starting to form on the lawn next to the Arts And Culture Centre as MUN Convocation ceremonies get underway. The group plans to sing the Ode to Newfoundland in protest of its removal from Convocation Ceremony. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/xa8futSW0p
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) May 30, 2023
