Thread by @TorontoStar

Last week, students at the University of Toronto were shocked to find joss paper or ‘hell money’ inside red envelopes distributed on campus during #LunarNewYear celebrations.

Now, 31 student groups are calling for action.
thestar.com/content/thesta…

“The act of giving (hell money) to living people draws disdainful sentiments and sends them the message of ‘you are dead to me’ or even worse, ‘l wish you were dead.’ reads the open letter signed by 31 different student groups at U of T.
thestar.com/content/thesta…

After the incident, the university issued an apology, stating the “incorrect bank notes were unintentionally placed into the red envelopes” as members of the U of T Graduate House.

thestar.com/content/thesta…

Traditionally, bright red envelopes are filled with money and doled out as symbols of good luck and prosperity. On Feb. 1, instead of currency, U of T students received red envelopes filled with joss paper, so-called death money. thestar.com/content/thesta…

The practice of burning joss paper dates as far back as the Song Dynasty in China. “Whether or not this action was a mistake, it is unacceptable," the open letter reads, adding that they did not consult with members of the community. thestar.com/content/thesta…

The news has made it to international news outlets.

U of T has a large population of Asian international students, with over 15,000 students from China alone, according to data posted to their website.

thestar.com/content/thesta…