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He went on to note that while classroom discussions can be "vigorous," Ururyar "spoke softly" and never showed signs of anger when challenged. Newman then spent a good couple hundred words describing how adept Ururyar was as a TA."I am aware of Mr. Ururyar's conviction. To be frank, I was shocked when I learned of the charges. It was impossible for me to believe that the young man I knew was capable of such a thing. A violent act of that sort seemed wholly out of character," he said."Even now, after his conviction, it remains difficult for me to believe that he is guilty."He concluded by stating his opinion of Ururyar hasn't changed."He is a person of good character and deserves every consideration."Ururyar also received a character reference from a female professor at Simon Fraser University, which largely praised his academic excellence.Gray told VICE she was "pissed" about Newman's letter, and his consequent interview with school paper the Excalibur.Read more: Why Mandi Gray is Pissed Off At The Judge Who Convicted Her Rapist
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"Expressing a personal opinion, whether or not it is written on university letterhead, does not in any way indicate an endorsement or position taken by the university."In an emailed statement to VICE, Newman said he didn't understand the controversy over the character reference."Apparently, some people believe that once I learned of his conviction I ought not to have agreed to write the character reference. I can only assume that these people think that we ought to judge a person solely in light of the very worst thing he has ever been accused of doing. They think Mr. Ururyar should be defined by his crime, as though everything else we know about him has no substance. I disagree," he said.Newman said the defence was entitled to show evidence that Ururyar was not "utterly depraved" but was a good person, according to people who knew him. He also mentioned criticism of trial judge Marvin Zuker's damning verdict, which employed many academic and feminist readings.
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