To the University of York, the Registrar (Dr. David Duncan) and Dr. Adrian Lee of the Academic Support Office,

We would like to express how utterly disgusted we are at your recent inadequate attempt to address the issues of vulnerable young men at your university campus. To be strong armed into reversing a decision you had already made by a student group that supposedly represents 'equality', however campaigning contrary to this ideal, is weak, pathetic and shows an overall lack of regard for your male students who would have greatly benefited from such a cause. It is no secret that male suicide rates are higher, men find it harder to express themselves emotionally, and that support for male students is generally lower across Western culture. Not only would men have benefited from such an event, but women would also have been able to recognise that men can be fragile, too, and information on how to help a friend or partner who may be suffering from mental illness would have been extremely important. On the basis of equality, there should be both International Women's and Men's days. On the basis of morality and ethics, there should be both International Women's and Men's Days.

This decision, coming just hours after the suicide of one of your students, was utterly disgraceful. We would like to direct your attention to the comments section of your Facebook Page, where m large number of people have signed their name to a comment expressing their disgust at what has transpired here, and even more so have 'liked' this comment in support.

In the open letter addressed to the Registrar (Dr. David Duncan) and Dr. Adrian Lee of the Academic Support Office; students, staff and alumni of the University of York argued a number of points, most of which defined International Men's Day as lacking in the acknowledgement of the underpinning patriarchal establishment that disadvantages women. We feel this is an entirely irrelevant point. Whether or not the 'patriarchy' exists is an entirely separate argument, and the student body that have signed this open letter have worked to promote awareness and equality in a number of other ways. By breaking down any and all facilities and events that promote young men's men health who do not seem to be included in this pseudo-oppressive majority renders them vulnerable to mental and social issues. Retracting awareness for the well-being of a particular group of people based on their gender is sexist, and yes, we label each and every person who has signed their name on that letter sexist an in serious need of the re-evaluation of their status as a student or professor.

The University of York, contrary to the statement in the open letter, had a fantastic opportunity to set a benchmark for the awareness of men's mental health. Quoting a section from the International Men's Day website out of context is misleading and irresponsible. Here is the full passage from the front page of IMD's website:
Objectives of International Men's Day include a focus on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care while highlighting the discrimination against them.

Perhaps the signatories of the open letter didn't bother to actually read the full passage, or chose to ignore it, but very plainly and very clearly, it openly states that IMD is also for the promotion of gender equality whilst also raising other important issues.

The letter then goes on to complain about the issues that women face and argue that your correct statement that 'gender equality is for everyone' is apparently 'misogynistic rhetoric'. This should be an extremely clear indication that this letter, which was interestingly signed predominantly by females, has a clear bias against the promotion of men's health or that men even suffer from gender inequalities at all. The apprehensible level of ignorance that this displays is dumbfounding.

After reading the entirety of the open letter, it became apparent that it was an angry narrative that didn't actually propose any decent arguments against hosting an International Men's Day event nor any alternatives. In fact, the letter didn't even request that the event be cancelled, but rather requested "full account of the means by which a decision to promote men’s issues in this way". "In this way"? By "in this way" they seem to mean "by labelling a day for men whereby awareness of the inequalities that men do suffer are realised and discussion can be had, seminars can be ran, and help and support can be given". We and many others fail to see how this is a negative occasion. Surely the promotion of health for every human should be realised. One of the biggest issues men face with mental health is the ability to speak out about it, and this represented a fantastic opportunity for people to do just that.

Men and women both enjoy advantages in the social structure. By defining men as not as deserving of the same welfare programs as women is irresponsible, sickening and tarnishes what feminism once stood for: equal rights.

We ask that you, The University of York and the Registrar (Dr. David Duncan) and Dr. Adrian Lee of the Academic Support Office, not only reinstate International Men's Day, but also hold a belated event for the day that you missed this year. We also ask that you apologise to the friends and family of the student whose life was lost and the inappropriate timing in which you released the cancellation of the event. Lastly, We ask that you continue to support both men and women on your campus as the mental health and well-being of all students is paramount to their success.

Kind Regards,