Brock University leadership is condemning the acts of hate that have taken place recently in the Niagara region.  

The acts targeted members of the local Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and are under investigation by Niagara Regional Police.  

“Acts of hate based on race, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic have absolutely no place in our society and must be condemned immediately and forcefully in no uncertain terms,” says Lynn Wells, Brock’s interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “I want all members of our community to know that Brock’s commitment to fostering an equitable, inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff is unwavering. That we will continue our efforts to build a more just and diverse society through, among other things, our work with the Scarborough Charter anti-Black racism National Action Plan. And that we stand with you, no matter the colour of your skin or who you love.” 

Chelsea Takalo, Interim Director of Human Rights and Equity (HRE), and Trecia McLennon, Director of EDI Culture and Education, have been working on Brock’s co-ordinated response to the acts. 

“We acknowledge that the recent incidents of hate towards the Black community and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Niagara region may have caused harm and trauma to members of the Brock community. Brock is committed to fostering an inclusive and responsive environment for students, staff, faculty and stakeholders, free from harassment, discrimination and hate. For any Brock community member looking for support, counselling or resources in response to hate-based incidents, please visit the HRE website,” they said.   

“A culture of care and support for one another during the worst of times is critical. Anti-Black and homophobic violence hurts us where it counts — at the level of our humanness,” says Dolana Mogadime, Chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization. “I am heartened that Brock University recognizes the importance of a culturally relevant and trauma-informed response that will console and help heal staff, students and faculty that have been impacted the hardest through the recent events. “    

Brock’s Human Resources and Human Rights and Equity teams have organized virtual trauma response that will be offered Thursday, June 16, from 1 to 5 p.m., and will include group and one-on-one sessions.

Support is also available to both staff and students on an ongoing basis from LifeWorks.