A racism scandal has hit the University of Victoria.
Days after university l, the university is looking into social media posts where individuals, presumably students, are mocking First Nations.
A Snapchat screenshot Sept. 16 showed young men pretending to get drunk off Lysol disinfectant wipes, captioned with a racist slur describing First Nations peoples using the cleaner in the same way.
University of Victoria president Jamie Cassels said in a Facebook post that the university has now identified people we believe to be involved and are investigating the matter under the universityB次元官网网址檚 policies on discrimination and harassment, and non-academic student misconduct.
B次元官网网址淭hat such behaviour has taken place within our community is deeply concerning to university leaders and members, and is contrary to our commitment to an inclusive and respectful environment that provides a positive living, learning and working space for all,B次元官网网址� said Cassels. B次元官网网址淵et we know that discriminatory and racist attitudes continue to exist, and this reinforces the importance of education and the responsibility of educational institutions to promote better understanding.B次元官网网址�
Cassels went on to reaffirm UVicB次元官网网址檚 deep commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, to Indigenous students and creating more meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.
B次元官网网址淲e will not permit incidents like this to deflect our movement toward these important goals, but instead take them as proof of the need to redouble our efforts in the pursuit of reconciliation.B次元官网网址�
Paul Marck, a spokesperson for the university, said there is nothing further to update beyond CasselsB次元官网网址� statement.
B次元官网网址淭here is no additional information to provide you,B次元官网网址� he said. Anything further related to investigations, outcomes and university policies are considered confidential processes.B次元官网网址�
Available online reactions covered a wide range of spectrum.
B次元官网网址淛ust sad,B次元官网网址� wrote Emma Joye Frank, who identifies herself as First Nations, on FB. B次元官网网址淟ow lives doing their thing while trying to bring others down. You should really show more respect for the indigenous people of this land, and for yourselves.B次元官网网址�
Others used more harsh language to condemn the actions and urged users to help the investigation. B次元官网网址淯Vic is investigating the pictures and need help finding out who they are, said Vic Austin. B次元官网网址淚f anybody knows who they are please send me links to their Facebook page.B次元官网网址�
Others condemned the behaviour, but also counseled against blowing the incident out of proportion.
B次元官网网址淭hey are just ignorant excited first year students,B次元官网网址� said Sayna Sadres on Facebook. B次元官网网址淧lease donB次元官网网址檛 judge all of University of Victoria based on this. University of [Victoria] actually has a large indigenous education centre on campus.B次元官网网址�
Earlier this year, the university renamed the building that bore the name of Sir Joseph Trutch, who negotiated the entry of British Columbia into Canada in 1871. Trutch also served as B.C.B次元官网网址檚 first lieutenant-governor following Confederation.
The university cited TrutchB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址渘egative approach to the land rights of First Nations people and disregard for their concernsB次元官网网址� in their decision.
