Convicted murderer enrolls in McGill law program, sparking campus controversy

Jeffrey Ewart, now in his 60s, was convicted in the 1980s of second-degree murder and attempted murder after violently attacking two women in British Columbia, one of whom survived with permanent brain damage. After four decades in federal prison, he received day parole in 2025 and enrolled in McGill University's law program this September. Former prosecutor and retired judge Rick Miller called Ewart "as bad as they come" and recalled the gruesome crimes.

Student opinions are split: Leah Kropf expressed fear, while Ines Keita supports the idea of second chances through education. Isabelle Munoz said she does not feel safe around him. McGill cited privacy laws for not commenting on individual cases but affirmed that safety is paramount and that it will reassess its admission policies. The university also reiterated its commitment to rehabilitation through education.