Some will continue to maintain that Canada is simply not a place where violence such as this occurs. It is, and it does. We must recognize that we have a problem with Islamophobia in this country. We must recognize that we have a problem with hate in this country.
As a Faculty, we have struggled to process the violent manifestations of systemic and pervasive racism that have repeatedly devastated our Learner and scholarly community over the past week, month, year. As a Faculty of Law, we are working, and will continue to work, towards better supporting Learners, staff, and Faculty from communities who have historically been excluded from the legal academy and who continue to struggle in their full and equitable participation in the legal profession. We cannot, and will not, remain silent in the face of the rise of public and heinous racist violence and rhetoric.
Today, we grieve with you. In the days and the weeks to come, we recommit to leading with love in our work towards building safer learning spaces – ethical learning spaces – where all our community members feel respected and represented within our law school.
Adam Dodek, Dean
Members of the uOttawa community experiencing distress are encouraged to seek support here. The Ottawa Distress Centre's distress and support lines are also available 24 hours a day to all members of our community. Distress Line: 613-238-3311; Crisis Line 613.722.6914 or toll free at 1.866.996.0991 (https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/i-need-help/).