UW committed to fostering inclusive and safe environment — for all
Vivek Goel: ‘The assailant also drove his knife into the heart of the most fundamental value of academic institutions: academic freedom’
Vivek Goel: ‘The assailant also drove his knife into the heart of the most fundamental value of academic institutions: academic freedom’
By Vivek Goel President and Vice-ChancellorOn June 28, 2023, three members of the University of Waterloo community were violently attacked in a horrific act that targeted gender expression and identity.
It is unimaginable that in today’s era this malicious form of hate exists in some people’s hearts.
I have been overwhelmed with the messages of support that our institution has received from all corners of the country and around the world. It is clear to me that those who are united against all forms of violence, hatred and bigotry far outnumber those who would terrorize us.
We must all remain committed to fostering inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for all members of our community — denouncing all forms of hate, discrimination, and violence.
There are people who would like to intimidate us. They want us to be afraid — afraid to learn, afraid to share, afraid to speak our truths. But we will not let this deter us from proclaiming loudly, our values of inclusion and openness.
Continue reading the (July 4, 2023) op-ed at The Record (subscription required).
A message from President Goel
A message from President Goel to the graduating class
Presidents of Waterloo and Laurier universities write that post-secondary institutions and society benefit when we allow diverse voices to enrich our teaching, learning, research and service.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.