Scores of students at George Brown College staged a protest on Wednesday against the school’s decision to reduce some of its jewelry and gemmology programs starting this fall.
Protest organizers emphasized the importance of maintaining the three-year jewelry arts, two-year jewelry methods, and one-year gemmology programs. They argue that these programs, unique in Canada, provide students with essential hands-on learning experiences. All three programs are part of the college’s School of Fashion and Jewelry.
Waving flags and wearing pins, students gathered at the Casa Loma campus before marching to the waterfront campus. There, they personally delivered letters of concern to college officials.
College Cites Enrollment Decline
The college has stated that some jewelry and gemmology programs will not accept new students in September, citing declining enrollment. According to the college’s website, only the one-year jewelry essentials program will accept new students this fall.
Ghazal Ghahreman, a first-year jewelry arts student, expressed strong opposition to the cuts. “To shut it down is not only a slap in the face but also so backwards. It feels like we are regressing,” she said. She described the program as “absolutely invaluable.”
In a letter to the college, Ghahreman wrote: “You are not simply closing doors to students like myself but shutting out the future of countless professionals, artisans, and innovators who would otherwise have a solid foundation in this field.”
International Student Cap Blamed
In a statement on Wednesday, the college attributed the decision to a federal cap on international student enrollment.
“Recent federal policy changes have reduced international student enrollment, creating financial challenges across the sector,” the statement read.
The college explained that program reviews are an ongoing process and take into account factors such as enrollment trends, financial sustainability, and labor market demand. Despite the cutbacks, it said the jewelry and gemmology programs remain valued, and it is working with industry partners to explore future opportunities.
The college assured that current students in good standing will be able to complete their programs without disruption. Faculty members are also being provided with support during this transition.
On its website, the college highlights its reputation as one of North America’s largest and best-equipped jewelry schools. “You’ll get to work with your hands and learn from faculty who are experts in this growing industry, using precious metals and gems in a hands-on environment with state-of-the-art tools and equipment,” it states.
Students Devastated by the Decision
Lua Hariri, a first-year student in the jewelry methods program and one of the protest organizers, said the decision is devastating.
“I feel disheartened. I’m really upset, especially since I just started. I’ve never seen so many people be this emotional over something. People are crying. People are distressed,” she said.
Hariri fears that the suspension of the programs will negatively impact Canada’s jewelry industry.
“If you ask anyone in Toronto’s jewelry industry, most will say they came out of George Brown. Everyone speaks highly of it because it is a one-of-a-kind program,” she said.
She added that the school offers more than just technical training. “It’s completely hands-on. We learn from experts, alumni, and industry professionals. It’s not just a school; it’s a strong community.”
Graduates Praise the Program’s Value
Two graduates spoke about how the programs helped them in their careers.
Erin Hakin, a custom jeweler and goldsmith now based in Vancouver, completed the three-year jewelry arts program in 2014. She also received an entrepreneurial award from Made You Look, a Toronto jewelry store and studio, which allowed her to apprentice there.
“At George Brown, I learned everything—how to make wedding jewelry, repair pieces, and even make tools. The program is the most thorough in Canada,” she said.
Hakin criticized the decision to stop accepting new students. “It’s terrible. We’re in a time where we’re talking about ‘Buy Canadian,’ but if we don’t have Canadian jewelers, all manufacturing will go elsewhere. This will hurt our industry if young talent stops coming in.”
She emphasized the importance of proper training. “This program was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was so rewarding. When you go to a jeweler, you want them to have that solid foundation.”
Mel Rapp, an independent retail optician and owner of Rapp Optical Ltd., said he graduated in 2000 and applied the skills he learned to his eyewear business.
“The sad part is that young people who want to learn a trade and maybe branch into other industries won’t have that opportunity,” Rapp said.
“Without the dedicated instruction at George Brown, I wouldn’t know half the things I do today.”
Students and alumni continue to urge the college to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the vital role the programs play in both education and the Canadian jewelry industry.
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