On June 6, 2021, a meaningless act of violence was perpetrated against the Afzaal family in London, Ontario. As an academic community in which the reverberations of this tragedy have been felt in deeply personal ways, we must use our voices to speak uncompromisingly against harassment and discrimination in all its forms. 

I issued a statement on social media some days ago, and many others within our community have released comments condemning the Islamophobia that fueled this tragedy. I stand alongside my colleagues and as principal, echo their words. Education is a powerful weapon against ignorance and we must continue to educate and work to eliminate all forms of hate and discrimination. 

I offer my personal and the university’s sympathies and support to all those affected by these murders.

Patrick Deane
Principal and Vice-Chancellor