A scholarship program designed for children of Canadian soldiers killed in the line of duty is under fire.
On Thursday, a group of 16 professors in Regina wrote a public letter objecting to Project Hero.
The professors said the program glorifies military intervention - such as the current Canadian mission in Afghanistan - and demanded that the university drop the scholarships.
"In our view, support for Project Hero represents a dangerous cultural turn. It associates heroism with the act of military intervention ... We insist that our university not be connected with the increasing militarization of Canadian society and politics," the letter reads.
The executive director of Project Hero says Canadians support the program and this is the first time anyone has spoken out against it. "The Canadian forces men and women are thankful that Canada is getting behind them and supporting what they do every day," says Kevin Reed.
"To suggest we don't look after the men and women who pay the supreme sacrifice...no matter what you think of the war in Afghanistan, I think is a bit of an abomination," says Rob Huebert, the associate director of the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies.
The University of Calgary was one of the first schools to sign onto Project Hero. Universities who sign on agree to waive some, or all, of the tuition for students who qualify.
"I think it's a great idea," says Chad Pickerel, a U of C student. "I mean, that kind of loss - fighting for your country - the kids should get something back."
At the Kensington Legion, veterans are stunned that anyone opposes it.
"I fail to see how awarding scholarships to the children of veterans will promote war. It just doesn't make sense," says George Bittman.
So far, only four students across Canada are receiving free tuition as a result of Project Hero.
