Following the hate-motivated attack in Hagey Hall, President Vivek Goel, Vice-President, Academic and Provost Jim Rush, and Vice-President, Administration and Finance Jacinda Reitsma welcomed members of the University community to participate in two Community Forums on July 17, 2023. Topics included safety on the University's campuses, the institution’s response to the attack, and how the University community can heal and move forward productively in its wake. These forums were a venue for students, faculty, staff and postdocs to ask questions openly.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thank you for submitting your questions and comments. We received more 400 questions, many of which covered similar topics and themes. The Q&A below capture the most frequently asked.
WATSafe and Emergency Communications
What will the university be doing to improve on its immediate emergency response?
Waterloo Regional Police Service and the University’s Special Constable Service arrived at Hagey Hall within minutes of the first 911 call on June 28 to quickly remove the threat to others. The Region’s paramedic services and the faculty, staff, and students who were at Hagey Hall all worked quickly to ensure the police could do their work. We are grateful to all of these first responders.
Regarding WatSAFE, the university’s emergency alert system which is used to send alerts and push notifications during a crisis, the University’s review of the use of the app on June 28 has determined that during this emergency, an immediate WatSAFE alert or lockdown procedure was not issued because the threat to the campus community was cleared quickly. We acknowledge that follow-up communications to the broader community should have come sooner.
How will emergency communications be improved to notify campus of reported threats in the future?
In addition to an internal review, an independent, third-party firm has begun a comprehensive review of our overall emergency response plan and we are engaged in reviews of our emergency communications, our technology and IT systems, and our general emergency structures and processes. Once these reviews are complete we will let the community know what specific plans we have to improve the speed and effectiveness of our emergency response.
In addition, a larger group of emergency communicators will be identified and trained on the university’s emergency communications plan and processes in the 2023 calendar year.
Why didn’t the WatSAFE app work when we needed it?
On June 28, Special Constable Services responded in lock-step with Waterloo Region Police Service to reports of the attack. Officers were present within minutes of the first 9-1-1 call and the suspect was arrested very quickly. During this time, operational command of the response was with the Waterloo Regional Police Service.
WatSAFE is used to send emergency notifications to the university community and we have a procedure to determine when to initiate an alert that relies on collaboration with the operational commander. In this case, the suspect in the attack was arrested quickly and the University felt that an instruction to activate our emergency notification system was not required.
UWaterloo communication teams did use WatSAFE as part of a multi-channel communication activation once we had formal information from operational commanders. We recognize that the way we used WatSAFE on that day didn’t match the expectations that our community has for it. We acknowledge that we should have used the WatSAFE app more quickly. We are reviewing our emergency notifications and communications processes to assess how we can use multiple channels of communication more effectively during an emergency.
Who is conducting the review of WatSAFE? Will there be a report that is published publicly so that the community can be informed?
The University has completed an initial assessment of the WatSAFE app to ensure that it can continue to be effective for emergency notification purposes. We are working with a third-party firm to complete a comprehensive review of our overall emergency plan structures and processes. We will share the findings of this review with the community.
Will the University continue to use the WatSAFE app for emergency notification? There’s a change.org petition which has a lot of support asking the University to change the system – will you? What will the emergency notification system be in the future?
Our review of the whole response to the events of June 28 will include a look at the systems and technology we have available to support us, including WatSAFE, our emergency notification systems, our processes to use those systems and much more. We will engage our community to understand their perspectives as we move forward in the process. This consultation will occur before the University makes decisions on any changes or enhancements to the emergency notification system.
Why didn’t you identify the class as a gender issues class in your initial communications?
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, we shared the most up-to-date information that was available to us at the time. In an incident like this, information flows to communicators via official channels and we share information incrementally in full co-operation and agreement with the police. Our focus in the early hours of the attack was to ensure that we communicated information about safety and that we supported police activity.
It was only after police had concluded activity at the scene that we were able to confirm more information about the class – at which point we were clear that the next communications from our leaders must include this information. We have, and will continue to, share details as they’re known and confirmed.
Why did you call the attack an “incident” at first? It was hurtful to those attacked. Why didn’t you call this attack “hate-motivated” at first?
We’re sorry for any hurt caused by our communications throughout the attack and the subsequent response. We strive to support our community with open, transparent, relevant and supporting communication. As is always the case in our comms, we need to listen to the feedback from our community and act on that feedback to continually be doing things to meet your needs and expectations, and that’s what is already happening. We will learn lessons from this emergency.
In response to the specific question: once police identified that this was a hate-motivated attack targeting gender expression and identity, our communications clearly stated it as such, and our leaders have unequivocally denounced all forms of violence, hatred and bigotry.
Why aren’t you calling this a hate crime?
There is no such thing as a Hate Crime in the Criminal Code of Canada. The police have charged the attacker with a variety of crimes and have said that their actions were motivated by a hateful view of gender expression and gender identity.
It is never helpful speculate on criminal charges; as soon as the charges against the individual were made public we immediately adopted this language and have been clear about what we understand were the motivations for the attack.
It’s important that we allow the judicial process to happen and that we use language provided by the authorities.
What are the details of the review that we are doing of our campus emergency response plan?
An independent, third-party firm is reviewing the University’s emergency response plan and processes. Once the review is complete, we will be providing it to the Board of Governors. University leaders have also committed that as we do this work, we will be communicating about our findings and next steps.
Decisions & Events on June 28, 2023
Did the University have a clear plan / chain of communication for an emergency like what happened on June 28? Can you provide some details about it?
The University has an Emergency Response Plan which governs the procedures for level 1 and level 2 declared emergencies on campus. This plan is based on integrating University of Waterloo emergency response resources with those of other government emergency response agencies. The University relies heavily on the City of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo to provide resources and expertise for law enforcement, emergency medical and fire services.
The Emergency Communications Plan (ECP) is an appendix of the University of Waterloo’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Its purpose is to support the Emergency Control Group (ECG) at the University of Waterloo in communicating at times of a declared emergency.
The ECP defines responsibilities and provides guidelines for the successful and professional communication of incidents affecting the university, its students, its employees, their families, news media, the community and other stakeholders including the Board of Governors.
What are the requirements to share an immediate alert that there is an active attack happening on campus?
Section 1.8 of the Emergency Response Plan defines the Emergency Response Priorities for any given emergency. The decision to share an immediate alert can fall into any of these priority groups depending on the nature of the emergency. This decision is made by the University’s Incident Commander leading the emergency response in each unique emergency situation that the university faces.
What was the role of Special Constable Services on June 28? WRPS was on site so quickly, where were campus police?
Representatives from the Special Constable Services were integral to the police response and the operational commander at the scene paid tribute to that relationship immediately after the attack. Superintendent Shaena Morris told reporters that night that WRPS had worked side-by-side with the special constable service to make an immediate arrest. We are fortunate to have an embedded WRPS officers working with us in the special constable service and we are all grateful for the closeness of that relationship that allowed the teams to act so decisively and effectively.
Will you be releasing a detailed account of what senior University leaders knew about the attack and when?
Senior leaders are committed to being transparent about the incident and the University's response. This will be something that the University will be looking at as part of our review of actions taken since the attack. We will publicly share information, but we need to balance this against the ongoing criminal case and our need to maintain confidentiality during that process.
Why was the class and room number listed publicly on the registrar’s website? Isn’t that a security concern? Why aren’t those details behind a login?
Listing all classes and room numbers has been standard practice at the University. This is something that we will look at in our ongoing reviews. We will continue to consider what appropriate changes on our campuses and in our classrooms should be, keeping in mind the openness that enables our campuses to remain navigable, accessible and inclusive for legitimate purposes. There are likely a number of other such specific processes to be considered through consultation.
Why didn’t you cancel classes that evening?
Throughout the events of June 28, we took direction from the operational commanders at the scene – the Waterloo Region Police Service. Their advice to us was clear: that once the attacker was under arrest, there was no further threat to safety on campus. Though classes in Hagey Hall were cancelled during the building closure, we felt it was important to continue teaching and learning, and other scheduled activities to show that attacks like these will not deter us.
Safety on Campus
Many people have asked us if it is safe to be to the campus. Is it? And how do we know?
We are lucky to live and work in a part of Canada where our day-to-day life is normally safe. Horrific incidents like the one that happened on June 28 are rare. Our local police force assured us that, once the suspect was apprehended that night, they had no further concerns about the safety of our campus then or on an ongoing basis.
The reality is that the world is increasingly polarized, and police are reporting that violence and hate-motivated crimes are increasing across the country.
Risks are going to be ever-present, and we need to keep working as a University to consider appropriate security on our campuses and in our classrooms. As we do that, we must keep in mind the openness and inclusion that enables our environment of free expression and dialogue.
We understand that some people will need time before they feel confident to be on campus and we will support those community members. We know we have work to do – but organizations like the police have been clear with us – there is no specific threat remaining to our campus today and it is a safe place to live, learn and work.
What is the University planning in regards to increasing physical security?
We have been receiving feedback and recommendations about this from our community. We value your feedback, and it will be considered by the University’s emergency response group as part of the review of the University’s response to the attack. We will consider student and employee insights before making any security changes.
FAUW has expressed concerns about safety on campus and they surveyed members earlier this year where more than 40% of faculty said they have felt unsafe performing their duties. What is the University’s response to these concerns?
We are working with the leaders of FAUW to understand the scope and results of that survey. Discussions on this in the W2023 term focussed on disruptive behaviours in classrooms and guidance and support around managing this. We want you to feel safe to teach, learn and conduct research at Waterloo with confidence and that obviously needs to be informed by your observations and concerns. We are evaluating emergency response plans, exploring safety training, and looking at internal tools to help people feel more secure while working and studying on campus.
We hope to be able to continue to work with FAUW as well as UWSA, WUSA and the GSA and to provide opportunities to listen to the concerns of everyone in our community and to act on safety concerns.
We all understand that professors who are teaching gender and social justice classes are dealing with specific challenges and fears for their safety. Will instructors be able to offer gender studies and other social justice courses online?
We understand these concerns about safety for these courses. Universities across Canada are all grappling with the question of safety for these courses, in particular.
We’re looking at all options at this point (there are many considerations, individual and general, short term and longer term) including offering these courses online. However, it’s important that we are not intimidated into limiting teaching and research opportunities on these important topics or making these courses less accessible.
Finding a solution to this challenge will need many of us to work together closely, to listen to one another and to find a way of ensuring that progressive thinking and teaching prevails over hate.
What concrete plans are being made to improve physical safety and protocols on our campuses?
We are working with an independent, third-party firm on a review of our overall Emergency Response Plan, our emergency communications, our technology and IT systems, and our general emergency structures and processes. We are also reviewing our existing safety plans, training and resources, and various internal tools.
Some near-term activities are already underway, and include:
- Reviewing the data we currently make publicly available regarding our schedule of classes, including course locations and instructor information, and considering which information should be removed or require a login to view.
- Developing and posting more prominent and easy-to-follow emergency response instructions for classrooms and other areas.
- Making emergency response guidance more accessible and improving training.
As more plans take shape, the University will communicate progress with the campus community.
How will leadership consult with the university community throughout the review process?
The two community forums held on July 17 were just the beginning of a process of listening and action. Through these events, we heard directly from the campus community. We also received more than 400 submissions of questions and feedback collected through event registration, during the forums and in the days since. University community members can continue to submit questions or comments to communications@uwaterloo.ca, as well as anonymous feedback through an online form.
Our leadership team will thoroughly review your feedback as we continue working on a meaningful and appropriate action plan.
We are also planning a listening tour with focus groups of 2SLGTBQIA+ members of our campus community, and will be consulting with various offices and support units across the university.
You can expect a detailed update on our actions in August, and we will keep you up-to-date on our progress throughout the weeks and months ahead
As the consultation process can take some time, is the University implementing any immediate measures to increase safety?
As consultations continue, committees and groups have been formed to undertake changes and improvements. The University is committed to acting quickly on obvious gaps that have been identified, and to reaching out to a variety of groups to continue to help inform our way ahead.
What is the timeline that we can expect action or a report on campus safety improvements?
The community can expect a detailed update on the University’s actions in August, and we will keep you up to date on our progress throughout the weeks and months ahead.
Will there be a protocol for making information about course locations private?
We are actively reviewing the data we currently make publicly available regarding our schedule of classes, including course locations and instructor information, and considering which information should be removed or require a login to view.
Many staff members have been tasked to come up with safety plans for their units. How will these staff members be supported?
The University’s Safety Office can support this work. Please reach out to: safety@uwaterloo.ca for assistance.
Are there any plans to allow virtual learning for those who are having difficulty with feeling safe on campus?
Currently, in-person classes will continue to be offered in-person.
Students who are experiencing physical, emotional or psychological trauma as a result of the attack are encouraged to register with AccessAbility Services to explore what accommodations and support may be available.
Students who do not wish to register with AccessAbility Services, or who are seeking some consideration, can discuss options with their instructors or academic advisors. If instructors or departments elect to provide consideration, the options available may vary.
What University policy deals with concerns around instructors fearing physical violence from a student?
Policy 71—Student Discipline, applies to all students, as the University is responsible for creating a safe and productive learning environment for all. Non-academic offenses detailed in the policy include “disruptive, dangerous, aggressive or threatening behaviour, including by electronic means”.
Any instructor with concerns of this nature should speak to the appropriate Associate Dean, who will be able to advise and support.
What training is available to deescalate an aggressive situation?
The Centre for Teaching Excellence has developed a resource page to assist instructors with conflict arising in the classroom and beyond. In addition, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office offers active bystander intervention training to the campus community. The Safety Office also offers resources and training about what to do if there is a violent person on campus.
Community Supports
Why did you put the onus on students and staff to ask their managers/instructors for time away?
We appreciate what you are saying about where the burden lay in those first few days as we processed this violent attack. We have asked our instructors and managers to prioritize being trauma-informed and person-centered as we move forward in healing and community care.
The intention was not to require approval (students/employees did not need ask for time away, just inform) or to create a burdensome process for instructors and managers, but rather to create awareness for Instructors and managers of students/employees who would not be present in class/at work.
HR is providing support and resources to help guide those who support others in the UWaterloo community.
Why weren't immediate mental health supports and resources available for employees?
Immediate support for students and employees directly involved was provided by the IMPACT mental health crisis team. Other emergency supports, including emergency counselling, were available the evening of the attack for both students and for employees, and continue to be available to those who need support.
HR activated the Employee and Family Assistance Program emergency support services, and information on the program was shared by email to all employees early the next morning following the attack. This support remains available 24/7 for counselling, coaching and support. You can call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca.
We’ve also been working with individual units to offer customized solutions depending on the individual needs of the teams. We’ll continue that work with unit heads to make sure our employees get the help they need quickly.
As an institution and community, we need to continue to support one another as leaders, managers and colleagues to help manage the effects of this attack.
What are you doing to promote mental health for students? What else are you going to do to make sure all students and staff have the supports they need?
For students, Campus Wellness has been offering emergency counselling along with in-person and virtual healing spaces. We know this horrific experience may impact students’ ability to focus on academics. Senior leadership has asked faculty and managers to be sensitive to the needs of our community and allow for accommodations as we process this hate-motivated violence.
For employees, HR is continuing to offer support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program including in-person support for department debrief meetings. Healing spaces have also been organized in conjunction with EDIRO. We’ll continue to listen to the needs of our students to make sure we are providing the help and support they need.
What have you done in terms of extra supports for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community since the attack?
We recognize that there are many in the community who need additional focussed supports now and into the future. We have offered additional counselling and healing spaces specifically for our Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Campus community members who identify as Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, queer, gender non-conforming and women may be disproportionately impacted by the attack and should be centred in our healing. Instructors and managers have been made aware that this community may require additional space, support, time away, and accommodations at this time.
We know that this hate-motivated attack isn’t something we can easily move on from and that doing so will take our community considerable time and effort. We are committed to supporting that effort and ensuring that supports are available when they are needed, and in ensuring that everyone knows that they belong here.
Will you fly the pride flag all year?
We have extended the flying of the flag until the end of this month, and the rainbow walkways outside the Dana Porter Library and at campus main entrances at University Ave. and Columbia St. are visible symbol today of the importance of inclusion on our campuses. Every member of our community belongs here and contributes to our success.
We will need to consider how we make our support for Pride visible on our campus in an ongoing way. Please share your suggestions on how we can continue to create an inclusive environment at Waterloo.
What is being done to support those directly impacted by the attack?
The class that was attacked is being supported by many different groups across campus. To protect the privacy of those who have been through this trauma, the university will not be sharing any further information about the nature of these supports.
How can the University support managers in talking about what happened with their teams?
The University’s Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) has provided documents that offer guidance and support for those in leadership roles who want help with discussion the June 28th attack with their teams.
If you or members of your team are in any way affected, you can reach out to EFAP (Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca. You will need the customer account (University of Waterloo) and the invitation code (UAL823) when registering for Homewood’s online services), connect with colleagues in your area, or contact your Human Resources Partner for guidance and support.
What is the University doing to improve access to counselling services, health services and other wellness supports?
For many years Waterloo has been focussed on expanding the availability of mental health supports, and on the experiences that our students and employees have when they come to live, learn, and work here. We are creating a healthy, respectful, equitable workplace, and a WATSEE student experience framework that includes developing self and building relationships based on compassion, equity, and social justice in support of well-being. This work will continue with renewed energy as we learn from this terrible attack.
In addition, Campus Wellness has expanded same day counselling services to support students to two days – Wednesday and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening hours will also be available to students starting September. Campus Wellness is also expanding group therapy sessions for students in the coming months, and have brought on a Process Improvement Specialist who will be supporting the reviewing processes to assist with reducing counselling waitlist.
University of Waterloo employees and their dependent family members have access to a range of health and wellness services under the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provided by Homewood Health. More about this information can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/employee-assistance-program/.
Employees are also able to connect with Occupational Health to discuss supports available to help maintain, promote, and restore health and well-being.
You can read more about the many available supports for employees at https://uwaterloo.ca/employee-communication/news/staff-and-faculty-supports-available-you
Are there plans to support existing groups and efforts (e.g., Glow Centre, Making Spaces) that have been filling gaps in wellness services and supports for students? How have they been engaged in the University's current response?
University leadership will conduct a listening tour with focus groups of 2SLGTBQIA+ members of our campus community, including existing support groups, and will be consulting with various offices and support units across the university as part of the review process.
How will the university support its 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the wake of this attack and going forward?
We acknowledge that 2SLGBTQIA members of our community are disproportionately affected by this attack. University leadership will conduct a series of meetings with focus groups of 2SLGTBQIA+ members of our campus community, including existing support groups, and will be consulting with various offices and support units across the University as part of the review process.
What counselling supports are available to casual staff, sessional instructors?
In the wake of the June 28, Hagey Hall attack, Human Resources worked with our EFAP provider, Homewood Health, to extend our existing contract and open the EFAP services all categories of employees, including sessional instructors and casual staff (including students working as casual employees) until the end of September 2023.
The University is providing additional counselling to departments as necessary to customize solutions for employees, through Homewood Health’s crisis management services team. If any employee is experiencing issues with accessing counseling, they can connect with Human Resources directly to start moving forward and ensure they get the assistance that they need.
Access to the EFAP was opened to all employee categories in early July based on the need identified by employees who are not standardly eligible for the EFAP (a casual employee or employee with a short-term appointment does not normally have access). Human Resources is also supporting faculties and academic support units to coordinate group or individual sessions with counsellors from Homewood Health (onsite or virtual), depending on the circumstances and preferences.
Are TAs / RAs considered employees and do they have access to EFAP?
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is typically only available to employees on a contract of two-years or more, however our current contract has been extended to include all categories of employees until September 30, 2023, including Teaching Assistants, Research Associates, Post-doc Fellows, and other employees with short term appointments (contracts of less than two –years).
How does the University respond when incidents of sexual and gender-based harassment or violence are reported?
When sexual and/or gender-based harassment or violence occurs, UWaterloo encourages those who have been affected seek support from the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO).
The SVPRO supports all members of the University of Waterloo community who have experienced, or been impacted by, sexual and gender-based violence. This includes all students, staff, faculty, and visitors on the main campus, satellite campuses, and Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo. Campus community members can reach out directly or be referred by others who are supporting them
When contacted, the Response Coordinator (SVRC) provides survivor-focused care through a trauma-informed lens to understand how a survivor/victim is being impacted, and the ways in which the SVRC can support in thinking though options that work best for them. This may include discussing short term coping strategies, other services, and resources available (both on and off campus), academic and workplace accommodations, residence-related needs, formal and informal pathways for, safety planning and more.
The SVPRO is available to meet with survivors, those who have received disclosure (when someone shares their experience with someone at UWaterloo without initiating any formal complaint or report process), support people for those who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence, and witnesses.
SVRCs work with individuals from a trauma-informed framework, seeking to embed principles of trauma-informed care and response in policies and procedures, and always prioritizing the lived experiences of those impacted by sexual violence. Individual experiences of sexual and gender-based violence are affected by factors including, but not limited to, age, ancestry, racialization, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ability, gender identity and gender expression. The student, employee or affiliate’s identity is always a key consideration.
Complaints under Policy 42 – Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence are available for anyone who experienced sexual and/or gender-based violence by a student. Complaints under Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour are available for anyone who has experienced sexual and/or gender-based violence by an employee. The SVRC can support a survivor in discussing policy complaint options, submitting their complaint, and throughout the investigation process. The University recognizes the student’s right to not initiate or participate in an investigation conducted by the University.
Regardless of any UWaterloo action, the pursuit of criminal, civil or other legal actions or remedies remains available to community members despite any action pursued under university policies.
What is the University doing about gender-based violence on our campuses?
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) leads trainings, workshops, events and initiatives aimed at bringing about awareness of sexual and gender-based violence and seeking to build capacity for community members to contribute to a safer, consent-based culture.
Key dates on campus include, but aren’t limited to: Consent Awareness Week (third week of September), Consent Action Week (last week of January), 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 – December 10), Sexual Violence Awareness Month (May), Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), Pride Month (June), #WeBelieveYou day (September 18), International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia, Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), and more.
Workshops and trainings are available for all campus community members include: Male Allyship, Bystander Intervention, Responding to Disclosures, 2SLGBTQIA+ Fundamentals, Equity 101, Responsive Transitioning, Disability Justice, Gender-Based Harassment and Violence in the Workplace, Sexual Violence Foundations, and more. Educational offerings are provided through the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office.
The University of Waterloo, in collaboration with the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO), is conducting a triennial review of Policy 42, Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence, as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. This includes wide consultation with the campus community on its policies and procedures and performance.
The University maintains and report anonymized statistics regarding Disclosures and Complaints of Sexual Violence on campus to measure effectiveness. This is done in accordance with legislated requirements of data privacy.
To improve, an online feedback form was created for community members to share their thoughts and provide feedback on various aspects of the policy, as well as current supports for those affected (disproportionately marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ people, persons with disabilities, and persons with non-citizenship status) by campus sexual violence.
The university is committed to better understanding campus sexual and gender-based violence and aims to strengthen institutional processes through an inclusive, accessible, and effective policy for those impacted.
Combatting hate and building inclusivity
Building inclusivity and belonging on our campuses
The University of Waterloo celebrates the diversity of our campus community and believes that diverse voices, perspectives and lived experiences enrich our teaching, learning and research and other activities. We strive to proactively find, prevent and remove barriers so everyone can achieve their full potential.
We also acknowledge that there is still much to be done to ensure that everyone, specifically Black, Indigenous and racialized 2SLGBTQ+ community members, feels safe and welcome in campus spaces. Through community forums and feedback submitted online, we heard painful experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ students and employees who expressed their fear and anger at the climate on campus, as well as a general sense from the wider campus community that we need to do more to tangibly build inclusivity and belonging and to combat hate. Everyone who comes to Waterloo to live, learn and work should be able to feel free and safe to be who they are.
We must create physical, mental and emotional, spaces and opportunities to listen, value, and understand campus community members most impacted by harm. From Offices with the ability to set policy, to the conversations we have with each other on campus, this is a duty and responsibility we share collectively.
From consultations over the past year to develop the Waterloo at 100 vision, we know our University community is determined to create a culture of Anti-racism, equity and belonging. The campus we envision for our future is decolonized, Anti-racist, equitable and accessible.
While there may be a long journey ahead to fully actualize this vision, the University has pledged immediate response and commitment to long-term systemic change. In addition to the planned consultations with the University’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, we have also been undertaking an exercise to revise our institutional values, which includes applying an equitable and Anti-racist lens to our values.
Combatting hate and maintaining civil discourse
Through our consultations, we have heard concern about hateful and offensive speech and we have received questions about how the University handles opposing views on campus while maintaining a respectful and safe environment for our community.
To be clear, the University does not tolerate hate, harassment or violence on our campuses. We have policies and procedures under which we can take action when hate, harassment or violence happens.
The University’s mission is to advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research and scholarship in an environment of free expression and inquiry. We have many arenas to discuss and debate ideas and issues in an honest and responsible pursuit of knowledge. We also have policies in place that protect free expression and academic freedom (Policy 8: Freedom of Speech).
These freedoms require us to act responsibly. The right to academic freedom is not a license to say or do whatever one pleases. We expect that each member of the University contributes to a just and supportive community based on equity and respect. (See Policy 33: Ethical Behaviour).
We also acknowledge that public discourse has become increasingly charged and we have heard from many in our community that this polarization has brought growing levels of discriminatory rhetoric online. It is incumbent upon decision-makers to prioritize the needs of groups that find themselves at risk, and do the work needed to properly ascertain what constitutes violence in an ever-changing virtual landscape. We will not tolerate any form of harassment in any forum.
To that end, the University is working to develop a guideline for the implementation of Policy 33 (Ethical Behaviour) to social media.
For reference, below are some applicable University Policies:
Resources for dealing with harassment or unwanted attention
TheConflict Management and Human Rights Office has a range of supports for anyone dealing with conflict, human rights issues or workplace harassment including a social media abuse help page.
The University Communications team offers support for dealing with issues including handling media enquiries, message development and PR handling, social media support, and more. They can also act as spokespeople for the University in responding to email.
If you are in a situation involving unwanted touching or aggressive and threatening behaviour, you can consider contacting the Special Constable Service (ext. 22222 or 519-888-4911) or the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office.
The University’s Employee Assistance Program offers short-term, confidential counselling that includes face-to-face (flexible hours), telephone or online sessions for a variety of reasons. Services for students are available through Student Care.
Teaching and learning
How will the university address safety for those who teach and research disciplines in social justice, gender issues and other topics targeted by hate?
Work is underway to develop training modules and resources to assist instructors and researchers with navigating these issues.
Additionally, there are existing resources and avenues for researchers and instructors dealing with harassment.Conflict Management and Human Rights Office has a range of supports for anyone dealing with conflict, human rights issues or workplace harassment including a social media abuse help page. The University Communications team offers support for dealing with issues including handling media enquiries, message development and PR handling, social media support, and more. They can also act as spokespeople for the University in responding to email.
How do we educate and train our entire campus community, including students from all disciplines, on topics in EDI? Will the University consider creating a mandatory module on LGBTQIA+ issues for students/staff/faculty?
The Office of the Provost, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, and the Office of the Associate Vice-President Academic are developing programming for graduate and undergraduate students to foster understanding of intellectual, social, cultural, and political diversity. This will include an expert speaker series and an international conference. More information will be available in the fall.
How are we going to bring a better understanding of the humanities and the arts to STEM?
The Office of the Provost, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, and the Office of the Associate Vice-President Academic are developing programming for graduate and undergraduate students to foster understanding of intellectual, social, cultural, and political diversity. This will include an expert speaker series and an international conference. More information will be available in the fall.
Additionally, some of the work coming out of the Waterloo at 100 visioning exercise will also address this question. Driving our long-term vision for the University is the future we imagine for humanity. Through the Global Futures framework, work is underway to reimagine interdisciplinary research and academic activity, which includes exploring how to further bring together the humanities, arts, social sciences and STEM disciplines.
What is being done to further fund and support gender-related teaching, learning, and research on campus?
Currently there are currently 136 active undergraduate courses that include gender in the course description. There are also multiple programs that focus on gender-related research and the Office of Research encourages and supports our community through targeted and broad efforts from developing of submissions through to seeing research in impact. Our Inclusive Research Team helps researchers in this field through design elements that are fundamental to success in this work. Importantly, considering the attacks, we are reaching out and consulting with gender researchers to understand the challenges they face and the supports they would like to see so we might be proactive and more responsive to their needs in the future.
Additionally, the Office of the Provost, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, and the Office of the Associate Vice-President Academic are developing programming for graduate and undergraduate students to foster understanding of intellectual, social, cultural, and political diversity. This will include an expert speaker series and an international conference. More information will be available in the fall.