Renee Saklikar
Renée Sarojini Saklikar was called to the bar in 1991 and practiced law for a number of years before completing SFU’s creative writing program, The Writer’s Studio, and transitioning to a successful writing career. Her first book, the award-winning children of air india: un/authorized exhibits and interjections, was published by Nightwood Editions in 2013. She now serves as the City of Surrey’s first Poet Laureate.
Renée’s latest book is a collaboration with bee expert Mark Winston, entitled Listening to the Bees (Nightwood Editions, 2018). When not working on her writing, Renée teaches in our New Media Journalism program, sharing her knowledge and experience with students in our Law and Ethics in Journalism course.
Renée, what attracted you to the field of law?
A great desire to learn more about how things work, legislatively, historically. I had this idea, still have it, despite all the cynical comments about lawyers, that in a democracy, the rule of law means something, however one might deconstruct it. In 1985, my aunt and uncle died in the Air India bombing. In 1987, I entered law school. It took me a long time to understand how much those two events connected.
Why do you think it's important to learn about law and ethics in journalism?
Learning about legal principles and ethical issues helps us write better and with more confidence. I think anyone with interests in writing, editing and publishing can benefit from this course.
As a published author, what personal experience with legal or ethical issues do you bring to the course?
I have my Juris Doctor of Laws from UBC and a passion for how law connects with language and ethics in writing and publishing. In my own writing journey, particularly with my first book, children of air india: un/authorized exhibits and interjections, I had to think through a lot of issues, both as a lawyer and as an author.
Do you have any advice for students navigating legal or ethical questions?
Yes. Learn the basics, stay current, know when to seek expert counsel and take courses such as the ones offered by SFU!
What do you enjoy most about teaching this course?
Lifelong learning is exciting, as students and teachers learn from and with each other.