SGPS statement on racist note

Principal’s Statement Concerning Racist Note

Yesterday morning a racist, homophobic, and threatening poster was discovered attached to the door of a common room in one of Queen’s student residence buildings. The note was immediately removed after it was discovered, police were notified, and Queen’s staff moved quickly to mobilize supports to assist students in the residence impacted by this event.

This cowardly act of violence had the sole purpose of attacking the dignity of Indigenous and Queer identified members of the Queen’s community by attempting to fan the flames of hatred. It is our responsibility as members of the Queen’s community to speak out against this disgusting act of bigotry and to support the members of our community who were targeted in this incident.

The SGPS condemns this poster as an act of hate that is in contravention of the values of equity, inclusion, and respect held by our community. The SGPS fully supports the Indigenous and LGBTQ+ identified members of our community. Everyone, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, creed, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and gender identity has a place at Queen’s. We must all work together to not only create but foster an environment of diversity and inclusion so our fellow Queen’s community members can thrive.

If you feel affected by this incident and require support, please do not hesitate to reach out to the support services available on campus, including our own Graduate Peer Support Centre and Peer Academic Advisors Program. Additionally, the SGPS Equity and Diversity Commissioner is always available to speak with students who have questions or concerns about Equity and Diversity within the SGPS and at Queen’s. Concerned students can also reach out to the Education on Queer Issues Project (EQuIP) or the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre here at Queen’s. Finally, resources after hours and over the weekend for students include Empower Me,  Good2Talk, and Hope for Wellness Helpline.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Ambraska, President
Uchitta Vashist, Vice-President Community
Abel Hazon, Vice-President Finance
Leo Erlikhman, Vice-President Graduate
Ryan Adlem, Vice-President Professional