Yesterday, two students and a professor were stabbed in a gender studies class at the University of Waterloo. Investigators believe that the attack was motivated by hate related to gender identity and expression.
I am shocked and saddened by this hateful act of violence and I can only imagine how those inside the classroom felt yesterday. Classrooms should be spaces where faculty, teachers, and students feel safe, supported, and valued.
We stand with the survivors, members of the University of Waterloo community, and all those impacted by this tragedy. And we continue to stand against gender-based violence and all forms of hate.
We have spent this past Pride Month celebrating the progress we have made towards inclusion and equality for all. But tragedies like this remind us more needs to be done. This is a moment for us to come together and to support those most affected by this attack – namely women and members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community. Let us continue to work together to uphold inclusive spaces and to be strong for those struggling to find their strength right now. In recognition of the impact that this tragedy has had on the LGBTQ2IA+ community, we will be leaving our Pride flag raised beyond June and into July as a sign of our continued support.
The ripple effects of this horrific event are far-reaching. As we prioritize the safety of our U of G community, we have developed systems and practices to mitigate violence. Our Campus Safety Office performs regular campus patrols and surveillance. We also have a comprehensive emergency response system (U of G Alert), and the SafeGryphon app.
If you have concerns around your own safety on campus, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Campus Safety Office. I also encourage you to make use of the resources below if you need them:
- Students:
- Faculty and staff:
Sincerely,
Dr. Charlotte Yates
President and Vice Chancellor