On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the Brock community remembers and mourns the loss of the 14 young women murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal on Dec. 6, 1989.

Much about our world has changed since 1989, but violence and discrimination sadly remain very real — on and off university campuses across this country.

Today, we commemorate 14 lives tragically and senselessly cut short by a brutal act of violence and misogyny. We also reflect on our shortcomings and strengthen our own commitment to making Brock’s campuses safe for and inclusive of everyone, and to building a more equitable and just society for all.

In recognition of this day and as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the University’s flags have been lowered and Schmon Tower will be illuminated in purple. As public health guidelines do not permit the mass gatherings we would typically hold to mark the events of Dec. 6, a virtual commemoration can be found here.

I encourage all members of the Brock community to take a moment today to reflect, to listen to survivors of gender-based violence, and to speak out against harmful behaviours of any kind. Let us all commit to working together to make our campus a better place for all.