PC MLAs apologize after coming to the defence of suspended University of Manitoba student

Two Progressive Conservative MLAs are apologizing for advocating on behalf of a nursing student who was suspended by the University of Manitoba after making social media posts critical of Israel's actions in its war against Hamas.

On Nov. 23, Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan and Selkirk MLA Richard Perchotte sent a letter to Renée Cable, Manitoba's minister of advanced education and training.

In the letter, the MLAs said the suspension sent "an unacceptable message to academically penalize a student for expressing herself," and urged Cable to work with the university to allow the student to continue her studies pending an appeal.

In a statement posted to his social media late Friday afternoon, Khan said he didn't do his "due diligence before bringing this matter forward" to the advanced education minister, and promised "to do better in the future.

"I want to be very clear: I unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms. It has no place in our society."

The Tories say Perchotte sent apologies to community members who've asked about his involvement. 

"I sincerely apologize to you, the Jewish community and anyone I offended with the letter I signed. I failed to get the details prior to signing," his message said.

Arij Al Khafagi, a fourth-year student in the final year of the U of M's nursing program, told CBC News she was suspended for her social media posts.

One of her Instagram posts, which appeared as a "story" that expired after 24 hours, was shared online. It shows a cartoon in which an Israeli soldier looks at his reflection in the mirror and notices a Nazi flag on his arm. "The irony of becoming what you once hated," the cartoon reads.

CBC News hasn't been able to determine the nature of Al Khafagi's other posts.

She said she received a letter from the university outlining the reasons for her suspension, but has declined multiple requests to provide a copy of that letter to CBC News. 

Suspension levelled 'after careful consideration': U of M

The university said a suspension is only levelled "after careful consideration of the circumstances and evidence," spokesperson Eleanor Coopsammy said in a statement last week.

She said the university pursues a rigorous process in evaluating academic and non-academic misconduct. It considers various policies, including the U of M's rules around respectful workplaces and violent and threatening behaviour, the statement said.

Two days before apologizing, Khan said it was his duty as a MLA to help his constituent. 

"I brought that concern forward to the minister. As an MLA, again, I believe that's the right thing to do. That's what we're supposed to do, is advocate for our constituents, and I left it with the minister to deal with the situation accordingly," Khan told reporters on Wednesday.

In his statement on Friday, Khan wrote he takes "full responsibility" for the letter he sent on Al Khafagi's behalf to the advanced education minister, saying it doesn't represent himself or anyone else within the Progressive Conservative party. 

He also apologized to those he hurt in the Jewish community, and everyone who stands against antisemitism.

When contacted on Friday, Al Khafagi would not comment on the PC MLAs' apologies.