‘Hatred is fueled … when gender is made to be responsible’: UW instructor reflects on 2023 stabbing attack

Katy Fulfer, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo, recently experienced a traumatic event when she was attacked in her own classroom by a former student who disagreed with the message in her philosophy of gender course. Despite the harrowing experience, Fulfer is determined not to dwell on her personal trauma. Instead, she hopes to spark a larger conversation about the underlying ideologies that can lead to such violent acts.

In an interview with CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition, Fulfer expressed her reluctance to be viewed as a victim. She believes that focusing on individual offenders misses the bigger picture of societal issues that contribute to violence. Fulfer wants to shed light on the dangers of anti-gender ideology and how it can be manipulated to justify harmful beliefs and actions.

The attack, which took place in June 2023, left Fulfer and two students injured. The assailant, Geovanny Villalba-Aleman, entered the classroom with knives and carried out the attack, claiming that he was defending the freedom of academia. Fulfer stresses that the attack was not personal but rather a result of Villalba-Aleman’s misguided beliefs and the societal pressures he faced.

Fulfer emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, including economic insecurity and social pressures. She calls for a stronger sense of community and a focus on building a more inclusive and supportive society. By tackling issues like food insecurity and the high cost of education, Fulfer believes we can prevent individuals from feeling marginalized and resorting to violence.

The sentencing for Villalba-Aleman has been postponed to March 17, as he pleaded guilty to several charges related to the attack. The incident was deemed a hate-motivated attack based on gender expression and identity. The Crown is seeking a 13-year prison term for Villalba-Aleman, highlighting the severity of the crime and its impact on the victims.

Fulfer’s bravery in speaking out about her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing underlying ideologies that can lead to violence. By fostering a sense of community and addressing social issues, we can work towards a world where such attacks are no longer a reality. Fulfer’s resilience and determination to turn a traumatic event into a catalyst for change are truly inspiring.