Jemma Wolfe
The Silhouette
Photo by Jemma Wolfe/The Silhouette
TRIGGER WARNING: the following article contains references to extreme violence, rape, sexual assault and child mutilation all in graphic detail and may be triggering to some people.
HAMILTON (CUP) — McMaster University has learned of a songbook by some members of the Redsuits, a campus engineering student organization, containing “sexist, violent and degrading material” and has taken action by formally suspending the large student group.
“The material is highly repugnant,” said provost and vice-president, academic David Wilkinson. “The university has clear expectations that everyone on campus show respect for each other. The engineering songbook that we have learned about is highly disturbing and is the exact opposite to everything for which the university stands.”
The 35-page document, which details the lyrics to 28 songs and chants, contains material that is extremely offensive and, in the case of explicit references to child abuse, underage sexual behaviour, sexual assault on inebriated people and physical assault, promotes illegal and inhumane activity.
One particular song, “S&M Man” (found on page 34-5), is a grotesque account of physically and sexually torturing women. Some verses include “Who can take a cheese grater / Strap it to his arm / Shove it up her cunt / And make some pussy parmesan?” and “Who can take a chainsaw / Cut the bitch in two / Fuck the lower half / And give the other half to you?”
Effective immediately, the Redsuits are barred from organizing or participating in any campus events or activities. They will also not be allowed to organize any Welcome Week 2014 activities, which is the time of year when the Redsuits are traditionally most active on campus.
The McMaster Students Union (MSU) supports the university’s decisions.
“Derogatory and degrading chants have no place on this campus,” said MSU president David Campbell in response to the situation.
“Sadly, the small number of students within the organization and the red suits they wear have now become symbols of intolerance and a sexist mindset that has no place at the university or in our society,” said Ishwar Puri, dean of engineering at McMaster University.
The university is launching an external investigation into the matter and has vowed “rigorous scrutiny” for any forthcoming McMaster Engineering Society events. MES is the parent organization of the Redsuits, who are known for wearing red jumpsuits around campus.
