The faculty email-listserv at my university has been roaring the last day or so, prompted by an ad sent out by the campus bookstore: “Canada Day Sale – 25% off Canada-Made Items!” The ad – since taken down – was at best grossly tone-deaf, given the recent discoveries of several hundred unmarked graves of indigenous children on the grounds of former “residential schools” run by the Canadian government and the Catholic Church.

My colleagues’ emails have ranged from plaintive to strident to illuminating to defensive. And a couple of the usual trolls have shown up. Overall, I have found the spectacle more edifying than irritating. Many of my colleagues have used this occasion to do what they do: teach.

My own feelings today are mournful.