Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, released the following message to all students, faculty, and staff on December 3, 2015.
December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. This year will mark the 26th anniversary of the tragic events that took place in 1989 at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.
As you know, we are an institution deeply committed to progressive values, and we are dedicated to achieving comprehensive, long-term and sustainable gender equity, through our participation in initiatives including the UN Women’s HeforShe campaign.
Since we share the universal conviction that acts like these must never be repeated or permitted to fade from our collective memory, the University of Waterloo is hosting a special ceremony.
Students, faculty, staff and community leaders will come together to reflect and commemorate the 14 young women whose lives were taken, and to continue the pursuit of justice, equity and opportunity for all.
Date: December 4, 2015
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Engineering 5, Sedra Student Design Centre
I hope you will consider attending this special ceremony to keep these women, and this cause, present in our hearts and minds.
Yours sincerely,
Feridun Hamdullahpur
President and Vice-Chancellor