On Wednesday, a Progressive Conservative member of the legislature, Barry Pettern, asked Culture Minister Steve Crocker if the government was going to take action against the university, saying Memorial's decision was out of touch with the majority of residents. She has argued that the ode leaves some students feeling excluded during convocation ceremonies.Īs well, Andersen has pointed out that the 'Ode to Newfoundland' was written at a time when Europeans were exploring the island for valuable resources with little thought given to its Indigenous populations. John's, has noted that the song was written by and for settlers.

'We are committed to working together with representatives from the different communities and groups, internal and external to the university, to consider the continued evolution of our convocation ceremonies.'Ĭatharyn Andersen, Indigenous vice-president at the campus in St. Neil Bose, the university's president, said in a statement. 'The decision to remove the 'Ode to Newfoundland' from convocation was intended to create safer and more welcoming spaces for all students,' Dr. As well, university officials said the song does not reflect the 'many communities' within the institution.Īt the time, members of the legislature responded by unanimously endorsing a motion that called on the university to reverse its decision and resume playing the song and the 'Ode to Labrador' at graduation ceremonies.īut on May 9, the university's senate voted to extend the ban. In the fall of 2022, the university said it would not play the anthem because it omits Labrador and contains outdated language. Members of the legislature staged a vocal protest on Wednesday by standing in the house of assembly and singing the 'Ode to Newfoundland.' Politicians across Newfoundland and Labrador have registered their dismay with a decision by Memorial University to extend a ban on the singing of the provincial anthem at convocation ceremonies.

Of Hearts And Stars by Edward Dean West