Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

2021-06-08

MEMO: Algoma University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Anti-Muslim hate crime in London, ON (June 8, 2021)

TO: All Faculty, Staff, Students and AU Community

FR: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Mary Wabano-McKay, Nyaagaaniid-VP Student Success, Anishinaabe Initiatives & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Algoma University community is once again grieving following the devastating news of a targeted, hate-motivated incident in London, Ontario on Sunday which resulted in the tragic death of four family members, with one young boy recovering in hospital. One of the victims had recently finished post-graduate work at the University of Western Ontario.

Police Services has described this as a premeditated hate crime tied to the family’s Muslim faith.

To the grieving family, the Muslim community including our students, staff and faculty, we extend our deepest condolences during this very difficult time. We wish the injured family member a speedy recovery. Algoma University stands in solidarity with you in condemning Islamophobia. Racism and violence of any kind affect everyone and it is our collective responsibility to purposefully work to undo systemic racism and discrimination. We must continue our ongoing efforts to address all forms of hatred and racism.

You are all invited to a vigil tomorrow at Sault Ste. Marie’s local Mosque to honour the lives that were lost in the tragic London incident early in the week.

This is a very difficult time for the Muslim community across the nation and at Algoma University. For additional support, we encourage students, faculty and staff to use the following resources available to us:

Resources for AU students: If you wish to speak with someone, please check Health and Wellness services at AU. These resources are free for all Algoma University students. For immediate resources click on our Health Services Page for 24/7 support at all three campus locations. For a referral to on-campus wellness services email, [email protected]. 

Faculty and staff resources: To access LifeBalance, visit http:www.lifebalance.net or by phone at 1-877-630-6701/TTY: 1-877-371-9978. The EAP program is 100% confidential (personal information, including names are not shared with Algoma University) and available 24/7 to our employees.  

Photo credit: CBC

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