Canadian universities to investigate safety and inclusion following stabbings at University of Waterloo
The CEO of a group advocating for Canadian universities says post-secondary institutions will reevaluate both safety and inclusiveness initiatives following a triple stabbing at an Ontario university that police say was motivated by hate.
Philip Landon of Universities Canada says that in the aftermath of the attack on the University of Waterloo, the country’s 100 or so universities are wondering how best to deal with the polarization seeping into institutions that have tackled historically difficult issues head-on.
“Universities, by their very nature, are places of inquiry and academic freedom…where ideas need to be discussed, they need to be argued, they need to be refuted, they need to be thoroughly explored, but in a place of safety and in a place of tolerance,” Landon said in a phone interview.
“An attack like this reminds us that we need to have the right security measures on campuses as well as the right cultural and social environment to prevent these attacks.”
He added that universities are also likely to scrutinize their curricula that promote inclusiveness and condemn violence against vulnerable groups on campus, such as women, LGBTQ people and racial groups.
“It’s important to recognize that it’s not just a university issue. It’s a societal issue and universities can really contribute to solving societal issues, but they’re not alone.”
Focus on safety
Most Canadian universities are diligent about security programs, such as emergency alert systems, walking programs where vulnerable people can ask a buddy to get to their destination and campus shuttles, he said.
“More can always be done. There is no doubt about that,” he said. “But I would also say that universities are the sector that is probably doing this the most.”
A professor and two students were injured in the stabbing at the University of Waterloo late last month during a class on gender issues. Police claim it was a planned act motivated by hatred related to gender expression and gender identity.
A 24-year-old recent graduate international student from Ecuador has been charged with multiple crimes, including three counts of aggravated assault.
He appeared via video in a courtroom in Kitchener, Ont., on Tuesday in an orange jumpsuit and his case was adjourned until July 25.
Since the attack, the University of Waterloo has said it is reviewing its security systems in collaboration with community groups to ensure non-discriminatory life on campus after the attack.
“We are undergoing a comprehensive review of our emergency response and communication systems, including the protocols around using the WatSAFE app,” the university said in an email, referring to its emergency notification system.
“We are committed to promoting an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for members of our community, denouncing all forms of hatred, discrimination and violence.”
Canada’s largest university, the University of Toronto, said in an email that it has become increasingly aware of its various security programs since the attack.
“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and librarians are a top priority at the University of Toronto, as is the ability of our scholarly community to advance debates and test ideas freely without fear of harassment or harm,” said the university.
Good to see UW concerned: activist
Cait Glasson, a transgender activist in Waterloo who works with an LGBTQ community group, said she was generally pleased with the university’s response to the attack.
“I certainly seem to get the impression that they’re working on the issues that came up that day, which is good,” she said in a phone interview.
Cait Glasson, an LGBTQ activist in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, says students should feel safe discussing gender issues in class and not governed by violence.
She pointed out places around the world that are currently persecuting members of the LGBTQ community and the rise in hate speech against the community online.
In Canada, police say they have noticed an increase in attacks against members of the LGBTQ community.
Glasson said the recent attack in Waterloo should be a lesson to Canadians.
“People use speech that dehumanizes other people, as suggested [LGBTQ people] are pedophiles,” she said, adding that this type of hate speech can spur some people into action.
“People need to be aware that this can happen.”
