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Good afternoon,

By now, many of you will have read or heard of the horrifying events that unfolded yesterday at the University of Waterloo. A professor and two students were stabbed during a Gender Studies lecture when another student, not part of the class, entered the classroom to commit the act. Investigators consider it a hate-motivated attack related to gender expression and gender identity, according to media reports. While the victims sustained serious injuries, fortunately they are not life-threatening.

Students, faculty and staff may be significantly impacted by news of yet another incident that appears to have been motivated by hate. Please know that you can reach out to the resources listed above for support during these difficult times.

The University community stands in solidarity against all forms of violence driven by hate. As we support the University of Waterloo community during this trying time, I encourage you to sign this open letter of support issued by the national Canadian Women’s Studies Association, Women’s and Gender Studies et Recherches Féministes.

Thank you to the community for standing together during times of crisis and for supporting one another.
Sincerely,

Geoff Payne
President and Vice-Chancellor