Antisemitic posters being removed from campus

Early this morning (Wednesday, October 2), community members reported the presence of numerous posters placed across campus to University’s Special Constable Service (SCS). Some of these posters contain imagery which is antisemitic, and they are being removed as quickly as possible.

Special Constables are investigating. If SCS are able to identify individuals who placed these posters they will face consequences in accordance with University policy. We have informed Waterloo Region Police Service and we will keep them informed of our progress.

I want to remind our entire community that there is no place for hate at our University, including any forms of antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, or Islamophobia. The violence continuing to unfold in Israel, Palestinian Territories, Lebanon and across the Middle East continues to affect many people in our community very deeply and very painfully.  Support is available for individuals who need it.

As we have reiterated often, our University must be a place that fosters a vibrant culture of intellectual exchange, academic freedom, open inquiry, free expression, and inclusive engagement. Everyone here has the right to speak, be in community with others, advocate for change and receive support. Our campuses must be places where everyone can do all those things without fear.

These freedoms also come with a responsibility. Speech – including the words and images we use – must stay within the law and our policies.

I know that many of us are grappling with the challenging issues confronting our society right now – violence, climate anxiety, polarization and misinformation. I know that these issues feel enormous, and they are. I also know that each one of you has the capacity to thrive at this institution in the face of these big global challenges. In fact, I know that when we work together, think differently and act with purpose, we can solve those challenges.

Please remember to take care of yourselves and your community and above all, to do so with kindness.

Vivek Goel

We recognize this may be a stressful and upsetting time for members of the Waterloo community. We remind you of the resources and supports available to University community members including the Employee and Family Assistance Program (for employees), Counselling Services (for students) and 211Ontario (for people with no affiliation to the University).