In recent days, many of you have spoken with me about the violence unfolding in Israel and Gaza. I share your grief over the loss of life and the terrible suffering endured by so many.
As places that value respectful dialogue, seek to accommodate differences of opinion and find potential common ground, universities are never more important than in times like these. For Royal Roads, with our global focus and network of international partnerships, openness to the world and respect for diverse perspectives is core to who we are and what we do.
So I say this unequivocally: Hate and the incitement of violence has no place at Royal Roads University.
As a university that values safety and respect for all, we will not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind. The significant rise of antisemitic sentiment and speech in Canada, including at post-secondary institutions, is deeply disturbing. Reports of anti-Islamic incidents are equally alarming. Royal Roads University stands with all community members affected by hateful speech and actions.
Everyone has the right to live, work and learn free of fear, and nowhere is that more true than at our universities. Our very highest priority is the safety and well-being of our Royal Roads University community.
If you need support, please don’t hesitate to use the resources Royal Roads makes available:
- for students, free, confidential support through our counselling, accessibility and wellness services
- for faculty and staff: confidential professional counselling and referral services through Walmsley
Additionally, resources to support those who may be experiencing impacts of antisemitism or Islamophobia are posted on our EDI web page.
If at any time, you feel unsafe for any reason on campus, please call RRU campus security 250.391.2525.