Special to the Ryersonian

Michelle Novielli Ryersonian Staff

RSU president Muhammed Ali Jabbar.

Ryerson Students’ Union president Muhammad Ali Jabbar says he isn’t worried that his Internet postings will cause people to question his role as a student leader.

On his personal profile on Facebook – a popular online networking website – Jabbar posted pictures from the “Free Palestine!” campaign. They depict bold images from the Middle East conflict, including children toting Palestinian flags and mock child caskets with signs that read: “Stop the war. Defend Palestine and Lebanon.”

Jabbar said he doesn’t think posting these pictures will hinder his abilities as a student leader.

“Being RSU president doesn’t mean I can’t take a stand on an issue,” Jabbar said.

Jabbar acknowledged the Israel-Palestine conflict is a sad, ugly and complicated issue, but said he feels no shame taking a side.

“There are bigger issues I am concerned with, and I don’t think taking a stand for what I believe in is something wrong,” said Jabbar.

Ryerson president Sheldon Levy said as a public figure one has to be careful that his or her personal views are not misunderstood as the university’s views.

“(Jabbar) certainly is as accountable as I am for personal public views,” Levy said.

But he added, “We preach here, and we believe in, academic freedom and freedom of expression. With this goes the ability to enter debate and dialogue.”

Nora Loreto, vice-president education for RSU, said that everyone, even a student leader, is entitled to have a political point of view.

“We are all passionate people and people elect us for the whole package,” Loreto said.

She said that Facebook is a public forum and not an RSU tool, and Jabbar’s pictures are separate from his role as president. Loreto said that she would, and has, posted pictures about issues she feels strongly about.

But Joel Pearl, vice-president of Hillel, a Jewish students’ association at Ryerson, disagrees. He said as a student leader, it may not be wise for Jabbar to present his personal views in such a public way.

“(Jabbar has) taken a stance on a matter but it might not be in his best interest to have it right up there for everyone to see,” said Pearl.
He said he understands how the pictures have personal meaning for Jabbar. But while publicly pointing out social issues, Pearl said, Jabbar could post pictures of conflicts in other parts of the world as well.

Aman Malhi, a second-year politics and governance student at Ryerson, said Jabbar’s posting doesn’t bother him.

“Personally, I don’t care what he does. I just now know where his political affiliations fall,” he said. 

Jabbar said he realizes that Facebook is a popular public website, but he wants to remain true to his beliefs and values.

“The pictures are just meant to get people thinking and be aware of one of the injustices happening in the world,” said Jabbar.