You may have noted that the director of the Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO), Patrick Case, and I wrote to the Guelph Mercury last week to clarify the University's response to the spray painting of swastikas on campus.
As we indicated in our letter, the University takes all acts of hate very seriously. Immediately after the incident, we contacted the city police and launched an investigation, conducted meetings in the residence hall where the hate vandalism occurred, and made it emphatically clear — in a public setting — that such deplorable acts would not be tolerated on this campus. In addition, bulletin boards were used to provide community members with information and education about hate activity, and the director of HREO corresponded widely and talked to various groups on campus.
I am deeply saddened to report, then, that there have been three additional incidents of hate activity reported over the last few days. As is the practice when there are multiple incidents, Campus Community Police have now issued a crime bulletin regarding these incidents and also posted information on their website (www.security.uoguelph.ca). Combatting the spreading of hate means we must continue with more constructive actions: organizing workshops and vigils in solidarity with groups that have been targeted by hate-mongers; generating a healthy, democratic dialogue with the community; and continuing to encourage and celebrate diversity.
I have asked the director of HREO and the acting director of Campus Community Police to strike a committee made up of members of the U of G community to review the reporting of and the response to incidents of hate crimes. I also ask that the committee review educational materials and workshops offered on campus regarding hate activity.
Sending anonymous messages is both cowardly and repugnant. I believe they are isolated acts of intolerance and in no way reflect the values of our community. Combatting the cancer of hate is a battle that involves every one of us, and we must continue to work together to win this fight.
President Alastair Summerlee
