Egerton Ryerson’s statue at Ryerson University, which was recently pulled down by protesters, will not be “restored or replaced,” Ryeson University said.
A statement issued by the president of the university, Mohamed Lachemi revealed that a truck pulled down the statue about an hour after demonstrations honouring residential school victims stopped at 6 p.m.
The statement read: “The question of the statue was only one of many being considered by the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, whose mandate includes consideration of the university’s name, responding to the legacy of Egerton Ryerson, and other elements of commemoration on campus.
“Their work is now more important than ever. I ask our community to respect their work and to engage with them as we should engage with all matters at our university — through dialogue, debate and the exchange of ideas.”
Also, the university made it known that the statue would not be restored or replaced, and that it was “relieved that no one was injured in the process” of its pulling down.
Also, a statement posted online by the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, which was established to examine Ryerson University’s reconciliation with Egerton Ryerson’s history requested for a “commitment to the community for a transparent process” despite the urgency from some for “immediate change.”
The statement read: “With the statue removed, there may be regrets that the many students, faculty, staff and community members who have worked tirelessly towards its removal were not offered the opportunity to witness the moment it came down. We recognize that the absence of the statue does not reconcile Egerton Ryerson’s legacy and so we will continue our work.”
