Brock University welcomes debate and respects the right to public demonstration, but condemns hateful language and gestures such as those made by a lone protester who was at campus yesterday (Nov. 1).

A man who is not a Brock student or employee contacted Campus Security Service around mid-morning, indicating his intent to stage a protest. He had a megaphone and a sign referencing US presidential candidate Donald Trump. When he refused to change the profane, racially charged language on his sign, Campus Security deemed him to be in breach of Brock’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy, and he was told to leave campus.

A short time later the man appeared on public sidewalks near campus along Glenridge Avenue, attracting a small crowd of domestic and international students by making belligerent, offensive comments and anti-China and anti-Mexico remarks. After an altercation in which a student was injured, the protester left the area around 3 pm.

Niagara Regional Police have arrested Fred Bracken of Fort Erie and charged him with assault causing bodily harm. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police at 905 688-4111 ext 4286.

Tom Dunk, Brock’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic, said racist remarks or violence will not be tolerated on campus, and Brock is committed to ensuring that every member of our community, from across Canada and around the world, feels included, safe and welcomed.

“Brock is a place where everyone can learn, study and thrive,” said Dunk. “International students, faculty and staff are an important part of the Brock community. With more than 1,800 international students from over 90 countries, and visiting scholars from over 20 countries, we strive every day to provide them and all members of our Brock community with a safe, welcoming learning environment.”

In 2011, the University Senate approved a Statement on Respectful Dialogue and Freedom of Expression that speaks to “an environment where freedom of expression, speech, association and belief is safeguarded and exercised in a culture of mutual respect; where an open exchange of diverse points of views is encouraged; and where every member of the community, including guests and visitors, is able to work, live, teach and learn free from harassment and discrimination.”

While the University encourages debate and discourse and welcomes respectful dialogue, students and staff should never engage with any protestor who is acting aggressively. The wellbeing of students is the University’s utmost priority.