Chair of UBC’s Board of Governors resigns after social media activity opposing Black Lives Matter

           Michael Korenberg

VANCOUVER — Michael Korenberg has resigned as chair of  the University of British Columbia’s (UBC’s) Board of Governors after his social media activity suggested he supported commentators condemning Black Lives Matter protests.

Saturday’s resignation comes “after information that was publicized last week about his social media interactions that appeared to support regressive voices online and undermine legitimate protest,” according to the university.

The campus group Students Against Bigotry posted a series of screenshots of Korenberg’s social media activity earlier in the week.

One tweet Korenberg “liked” described those protesting racism as the “paramilitary wing” of the Democratic Party, likening them to Nazi Storm Troopers. Other interactions included ” liking” tweets by Fox News host Tucker Carlson who has called white supremacy a “hoax,” and those by Sean Hannity, another Fox News host, who has compared Black Lives Matter activists to the Ku Klux Klan.

In a statement, Sandra Cawley, the current vice-chair of the Board, says committing to anti-racism and anti-discrimination is particularly important at this moment in time.

“The Board of Governors and Mr. Korenberg would like to recognize that this has been deeply hurtful to members of our community and that UBC has zero-tolerance for racism and recognizes that real harm is created from both overt and structural racism,” reads the statement.

“We as the Board reaffirm our commitment to anti-racism and anti-discrimination, particularly at this moment where collectively we need to advance the actions of the university, to engage in learning and provide strong leadership. As Board members, we must also hold ourselves accountable.”

Korenberg has also issued a statement apologizing, and affirming his support for Black Lives Matter.