The Canadian Federation of Students stands in solidarity with the University of Waterloo community, trans, gender-diverse, and queer students everywhere, and all those affected by the triple stabbing which took place in a Philosophy 202: Gender Issues classroom this past Wednesday, June 28.
The recent rise in acts of violence and hatred within our post-secondary institutions is extremely alarming and speaks to the urgent need for comprehensive action and legislation to eradicate transphobia, homophobia, and all other forms of oppression that are rampant both on and off campuses. All students deserve a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and devoid of violence.
In a time of rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate in Canada and abroad, this shocking attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges queer individuals face in seeking and maintaining safety, respect, and dignity, including within post-secondary education spaces.
The Federation recognizes that this incident is not merely an isolated event, but rather fits within a systemic structure of transphobia, homophobia and discrimination embedded in our society. It is our firm belief that all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, have the right to feel safe, empowered, and supported within their educational journeys.
The Canadian Federation of Students calls upon the University of Waterloo administration, and all levels of government to:
- Ensure our campuses are spaces that are safe for all students to participate freely in discussion and debate, without fear of violence or hate;
- Establish greater safety measures for marginalized students on campus, particularly those belonging to the 2SLGBTQ+ communities;
- Support 2SLGBTQ+ resource centres, counselling services, and community groups with trained professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by trans, queer, and gender diverse students; and
- Review and update institutional policies to explicitly protect and support trans, queer, and gender diverse students.
Listed below are some resources for queer and trans students to access, both Ontario specific and Canada wide:
Ontario-based:
- The 519
Canada-wide:
We also invite everyone to amplify the #Act4QueerSafety campaign ran by Queer Momentum, and sign the open letter by Women’s and Gender Studies Recherches Féministes (WGSRF).
In solidarity,
Canadian Federation of Students
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