An incident at the University of Guelph has led to an investigation by both the school and local police after students were seen attending a social event wearing shirts featuring racist and homophobic slogans.
The gathering occurred at the University Centre on January 14, organized by the Ontario Agricultural College. The theme was graffiti, with attendees expected to wear shirts meant for writing on, along with enjoying a cash bar and line dancing.
However, some students showed up in shirts displaying racist, antisemitic, anti-Black, homophobic, and other hateful words and symbols, according to university officials.
This situation prompted a swift response from the university in the form of a message sent to all staff and students shortly after the event.
“Let us be absolutely clear, hate will not be tolerated at the University of Guelph,” reads the message. “For this University to live up to its purpose, we must hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard of what it means to be a community. To do anything less is a failure to each other and our mission.”
The university has suspended all related events and activities while launching an investigation into this incident with assistance from the Guelph Police Service.
“An investigation is now underway. Anyone found to have violated University policies will be subject to action under the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy,” said the University of Guelph in a message to 570 News Radio.
“The University has resources in place to support members of the community affected, including Student Wellness Counselling Services, Cultural Diversity Advising, Multi-Faith Resource Team, LGBTQ2IA+ Advising, International Student Advising, Office of Diversity & Human Rights, and the Employee and Family Assistance Program.”
Guelph police mentioned that since this investigation is ongoing, no additional details can be provided right now.
“Discrimination and hate in any form have no place in the Ontario Agricultural College,” said the Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College in a social media post. “They harm individuals and weaken the sense of safety and belonging that every student deserves. We stand with those impacted and fully support efforts to address these incidents.”
In November, there were reports that students at the University of Guelph had swastikas drawn on their residence doors as well as in snow on their parked vehicles.
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