In 1984, the British Columbia Social Credit Party forced the closure of the liberal arts college David Thompson University Centre in Nelson, BC, which was home to a thriving writing program. In response, protests were held on campus, including a ninety-six-day occupation of the library, led by the David Thompson Student Society Action Committee.
At Western Front, a poetry reading was organized in solidarity. The event featured readings by over twenty writers, including Colin Browne, Brian Fawcett, Gladys Hindmarch, Lionel Kearns, Daphne Marlatt, Stan Persky, George Bowering, Alicia Priest, Audrey Thomas, and Fred Wah.