Jesse Ferreras, The Ubyssey VANCOUVER (CUP)—A space designated for prayer by the University of British Columbia’s Muslim community was vandalized for the second time since October. A press release from the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) stated that an unidentified, foul-smelling brown stain was found in the middle of the room on Jan. 12 at approximately 4 pm by regular users of the Musalla (Muslim prayer room). MSA president Hesham Alsalman said that a regular user of the room saw an individual leaving hastily with a hood pulled over their head. The witness noticed that the individual had their shoes on, which Alsalman said was unusual because it is custom to remove one’s shoes while in the Musalla. Another incident occurred on Oct. 2, 2006, when a similar stain was found in the Musalla. The RCMP concluded at the time that it was an accident. The MSA agreed because symbolic furniture in the room, such as a large Qur’an, remained untouched. “We didn’t believe ourselves, the MSA executives, that this is a hate crime until it hap- pened again,” said Alsalman. When asked whether or not he felt the incident was a hate crime, he said, “Most likely, yes. Why did it happen twice?” The university detachment of the RCMP was contacted on Saturday about the incident, Alsalman said, but there was no record of the incident at the office itself. Constable Keith Simpson was the RCMP contact, but was off-duty at press time and could not be reached. “If something happened at the Muslim prayer room, there’s been no complaint about it,” said Staff Sergeant Kevin Kenna. Brian Sullivan, a university vice-president, described the incident as a sick expression of Muslim Prayer Room Vandalized at UBC displeasure. “There was an incident in October that was [dealt] with to everyone’s satisfaction at the time, though it was, even then, quite troubling,” he said, “but now with a second incident, things continue to change.” Sullivan said that the MSA has been engaged in discussions to improve security around the Musalla, particularly over a “more potent locking mechanism.” The Musalla has been temporarily relocated to another room until the carpets can be cleaned. Janet Mee, director of the Access and Diversity office, booked the new prayer room fog the MSA and helped in cleanup. She has also been involved in discussions to improve its security. “Part of what we’re doing is trying to ensure that students who are impacted by the va: dalism, that their lives are not disrupted,” she said. “Their first choice is a combination loc something that still allows for users to come and go freely, but provides a level of security that we haven't had up until now.” Despite the incidents, Alsalman said it is the MSA’s role to educate UBC students about Islam. “We are trying to combat, probably the bad image that you can see all the time . . . in media about Islam and Muslims,” he said. “We are trying to educate people that we are peo ple ... in the community like everyone else.” SFU Students Society Re-instated New board reverses decision that led to pane tea impeachment lain W. Reeve, OP Contributor The event that triggered months of scandal and conflict, not to mention seven impeachments, was reversed as the new Simon Fraser Students Society (SFSS) board of directors reinstated Hattie Aitken at full pay. Aitken was released by the previous board last August for reasons which have not been publicly disclosed. Claims that the board did not follow reg- ulations, including gaining full board approval tion in order to find a resolution. before releasing Aitken, led to the impeachment of seven executive members in November. Aitken was reinstated to her position as graduate issues and university relations co-ordinator after arbitration between the students society board and CUPE, the union representing Aitken. president pointed out, The issue was immediately sent to arbitration when Aitken was released, but was never resolved 4 THE OTHER PRESS FEBRUARY 1 2007 due to ongoing political strife within the board. However, a new board was elected December eigh- teenth, and on December twenty first it decided to send the Aitken issue, along with others, to media- Representatives from the student society labour committee worked with CUPE using a go-between mediator to achieve the decision. This took place over an 11-hour meeting January 8. The final agree- ment saw Aitken reinstated. She will also be paid full back pay for the time she was dismissed, as well as an undisclosed amount in damages. The reasons for the dismissal will remain confi- dential. As Derrick Harder, the new students society “a significant part of the grievance was the lack of confidentiality.”