By now, many of you will have read or heard of the horrific event in London, Ontario, in which four members of a family were struck and killed by a vehicle. The family, who were Muslim, are at this point believed to have been targeted because of their faith according to local media reports. 

We have a great many students, faculty and staff who are Muslim who may be reeling from this news of yet another incident that appears to have been borne of hate. Other racialized members of our community may also feel impacted. Students in need of support can contact Counselling Services at 250-960-6369, and employees can reach out to the resources made available through the University’s Employee and Family Assistance Program if you need help.

Sadly, it appears one of the family members had also recently completed post-graduate work at Western University in environmental science, so I know that community will be deeply saddened as well.

To all those feeling directly or indirectly affected, please know that the University community stands with you in support and in solidarity against all forms of racism and violence driven by hate. This is why the work of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force is so critical, and is why the University is investing in staff resources to support EDI initiatives. We must do the work in our own spaces so that we can build a stronger society and lead by example.

I have been encouraged by the outpourings of kindness we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks. The UNBC community is shining as we support one another, and it makes me proud to be a part of it.

Sincerely,
Geoff Payne
President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim)