Created 30 June 2023 11:06

(For Immediate Release – Port Moody, BC, June 30, 2023) – The Confederation of University Faculty Associations (CUFA BC) stands in solidarity with colleagues and students at the University of Waterloo. Our hearts go out to our colleague and the students who were attacked in this despicable act of gender-based hate. We also extend our support to the students in the class and the entire campus community, which has been deeply traumatized by this act of violence.

We stand united with all educators who teach gender studies. We stand firm in our solidarity with LGBTQ2+ and gender noncomforming colleagues and students across Canada. Sadly, we are witnessing an escalation of threats targeting these disciplines and members of equity-deserving communities. No one should ever feel unsafe or threatened in their pursuit of knowledge. This disturbing trend is not limited to the University of Waterloo or faraway places in Canada; it is pervasive throughout British Columbia as well.

We have a collective responsibility to defend the rights of faculty and students to carry out their teaching, learning, and research endeavors without being subjected to violence and intimidation. This work and these disciplines are crucial to advancing a more equitable and inclusive society.

We call upon the Province and university administrators to take robust and decisive action to address gender-related threats on our campuses and within our communities. We call for concrete measures to protect the safety and well-being of faculty and students in their academic pursuits, and to foster an environment where hate has no foothold.

We call for a thorough and meaningful conversation within British Columbia’s post-secondary sector that goes beyond creating a safe space for targeted groups, but one that actively listens to the concerns and experiences of all stakeholders who have raised alarms about threats in recent years.

By taking these actions, we can strive for a safer and more inclusive academic environment, where all individuals can pursue knowledge without fear or intimidation. CUFA BC is committed to supporting these initiatives and urges all stakeholders to join forces in eradicating hate from our campuses. Together, we can build a brighter future for everyone.

For further information or comment please contact CUFA BC Executive Director Annabree Fairweather at 604-367-5856 or [email protected].

CUFA BC represents over 5,500 faculty members, professional librarians, lecturers, instructors, and other academics at the five research-intensive universities in British Columbia, which include University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and University of Northern British Columbia.

CUFA BC celebrates fifty years of working closely with the member Faculty Associations at each institution. Our purposes are to support high-quality post-secondary education and research in British Columbia and to advocate for the interests of our members.

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