From: Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor
Date: March 17, 2025
Subject: Supporting our community following sentencing of the Hagey Hall attacker
Today marks the sentencing of the individual responsible for the hate-motivated attack on a gender studies class in Hagey Hall in June 2023. As the judicial process draws to a conclusion, I know many of you are revisiting the trauma of that terrible day.
Our first thoughts are with the people who were present during the attack. The courage they showed that day and throughout the trial and sentencing hearings was powerful. It is heartbreaking that such bravery would ever be needed on a university campus. We must recognize that the gender-based violence they experienced has left many lasting effects.
As the legal process unfolded, we were all re-exposed to the disturbing details of the attacker's motivations. We were also reminded of the experiences of those who were in the classroom that day. I encourage everyone in our community who needs support to access the resources available through Campus Wellness or the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
I recognize that our community still has work to do to heal and to foster a community of inclusiveness across our campuses. I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for those expressing their gender and identity.
Everyone deserves to feel respected, valued, and safe, regardless of how they identify. Diversity of identity and experience must continue to be celebrated, and all forms of discrimination must be actively challenged. With your support, we will continue to stand against hate and intolerance and advance our commitment to a safer, more inclusive environment.
While I hope this sentencing may help provide some closure to the community, I understand the road to healing is still long. I urge each of you to demonstrate the same unity and care we saw in the wake of the attack. If you know someone struggling today, please be there for them, and help connect them to the resources available.
Supports
Students
If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk, please contact Counselling Services at Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096. In-person and virtual supports are available.
Faculty and staff
The Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching, and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca for resources.
These additional supports are also available to everyone in our community:
- Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support)
- Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300
- St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311
- Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454
- Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
- Empower Me - 1-844-741-6389
- IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team)
- IMPACT is a partnership between the UW Special Constable Service, Counselling Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. IMPACT workers provide mental health care in after-hours settings. They are available by contacting the UWSCS at 519-888-4911. IMPACT hours are 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., Thursday to Sunday.
Vivek Goel
President and Vice-Chancellor
Office of the President