Statement in Response to the New Zealand Mosques Shootings

I was horrified last night when I learned of the violent attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. I watched the news in anguish as the reports of people killed in the midst of prayer and reflection continued to rise. The Equity & Inclusion Office condemns these violent attacks and denounces the hateful actions that have ripped through a sacred space, once again.

On Jumu’ah – the day of prayer for the Muslim community – we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in New Zealand, at UBC, and across Canada and the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who gather to worship and mourn this terrible loss.

As a university, we are united in our commitment to fight hate in all its forms, including xenophobia and Islamophobia. To our Muslim community members, the Equity & Inclusion Office affirms our commitment to ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment, preventing and eliminating Islamophobia and hate, and building a campus community where all can feel safe, respected, and supported in their faith.

Any form of discrimination, including on religious grounds, is contrary to the values of the University. These values are supported and protected by UBC’s Policy #3: Discrimination & Harassment, the BC Human Rights Code, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

UBC welcomes students, staff, and faculty from across the world to our campus. As a university we are a global community, and we are committed, through our spaces of knowledge and learning, to enhance efforts that foster a more inclusive world.

I encourage all those affected by this event to access the resources and services available at UBC.

If you are concerned about your physical safety, please reach out to UBC Campus Security. For other supports, the following resources can assist you:

You may also wish to attend an upcoming solidarity vigil to be held at the Al-Jamia Mosque on Friday, March 15th, at 7:30 PM.

Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion