Engineering | Debates around the ring ceremony

The engineering engagement rite, during which novices receive their ring, will soon be reviewed. This century-old ceremony is the subject of debate. Voices of engineers rise to criticize not only a ritual described as “outdated”, but also the secrecy that surrounds the Society of Seven Guardians, guarantor of the protocol.

Will the engineer’s commitment rite, which for a century has symbolized the ethical concerns of these professionals, evolve or be revolutionized? The ceremony of the iron ring, codified in 1925, provides that freshly graduated engineers read a text written by the English poet Rudyard Kipling, before receiving the ring – also called a ring – which they pass on their little finger. Since 2016, complaints have emanated from participants in these ceremonies, criticizing outdated and sexist references.

Public letter

Last fall, Canadian engineers and engineering organizations co-signed a public letter, calling for the Pledge Ceremony to be revised “to reflect the values ​​and responsibilities that are at the heart of sound engineering practice. engineering,” and to include groups and minorities who may have been offended by the traditional ceremony.

“The ceremony should change, because it is outdated,” insists Gerard McDonald, director general of Engineers Canada, the group of provincial regulatory associations, co-signer of the letter.

Faced with criticism, a review committee was set up to consider a new version, which could be used by the end of the year, “in any case, before the centenary of the rite of engagement”, specifies Leonard Shara , chief guardian of the Society of Seven Guardians. The text has already undergone several changes over the past decades. “We eliminated almost all religious references. The upcoming version will incorporate more references to Aboriginal people and their contribution, as well as “recognition that engineering has profoundly affected their way of life,” says this chemical engineer.

Leonard Shara declined to communicate to The Press the text currently used for ceremonies, arguing that the society is a private corporation. However, he acknowledges that many locals have not yet incorporated the changes advocated by the company.

The tip of the iceberg

The commitment ceremony is just the tip of the critics’ iceberg. The reproaches also aim at the silence which covers the functioning of the Society of the Seven Guardians. While it claims a participation of at least 95% of engineers in its rite – which remains optional – it cultivates secrecy around its governance. “I don’t know how people are appointed to the council of the Society of Seven Guardians,” reproaches Gerard McDonald. The ring is an important symbol for our profession, but the ceremony and governance should change. The public letter calls for the restructuring of the Society of Seven Guardians and its local chapters, “so that clear processes for selection of Guardians and processes for reporting [comptes] are in place”.

The appointment of guardians is made by co-optation, replies Leonard Shara. Demands for transparency and elections do not convince the chief guardian. “It’s not entirely necessary, because it’s a non-profit company that relies on the volunteer work of engineers who do their best every day,” he replies, mentioning that his answer to questions from The Press is a sign of openness on the part of society.