I was deeply disturbed to learn of the act of vandalism at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre. It disappoints and saddens me to hear of yet more acts of hatred and violence directed towards Indigenous and LGBTQ2S members of our community. The flags which were cut up and destroyed, were hung in response to the Chown Hall incident that took place last fall, in support of not only the students impacted by the incident but also in support of the broader Indigenous and LGBT2S+ community here at Queen’s.
It’s disheartening to continue to see these acts of hate, homophobia and racism take place at Queen’s University. We are once again reminded that homophobia and racism is alive and well in our community. I strongly condemn this act of hate and I want to re-iterate my commitment to educating others and creating change at Queen’s and within the Queen’s community. I will continue to work with senior administration as we work to identify those responsible for this act. I also want to let students, staff and faculty know that I am here to support and work with each of you. Together we can and will overcome this.
Related statements from the Queen's community
- July 3, 2020: Provost’s Statement on the Racist and Homophobic Incident at the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- July 1, 2020: Faculty of Education Statement on Vandalism at Four Directions
- July 1, 2020: Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) Statement on the Vandalization of Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ Flags at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- June 30, 2020: Principal's Statement on Vandalism at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- June 30, 2020:& Statement by Kandice Baptiste, Director of Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, on homophobic and racist act at 4D