Solidarity with the University of Waterloo community

The Capilano Faculty Association (CFA) expresses our deep sorrow, condemnation, and solidarity with the University of Waterloo community given the violent attack that took place in a Philosophy of Gender class.

This was a hate-motivated attack that targeted a classroom exploring issues of gender politics and the history of transphobia. As educators, academics, researchers, and members of the labour movement, we are appalled at this attack on people and the pedagogical and social values that we hold dear.

As usual, these attacks are intended to intimidate and silence voices already marginalized.

We all have a responsibility to ensure that hate, bigotry, and intimidation never triumph over tolerance, compassion, solidarity, and justice.

We wish to express our solidarity with women, the wider LGBTQ+, and Two-Spirit community as the rise of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric is becoming normalized in many sectors of society.

The events this week in Waterloo remind us that progress and equity are never guaranteed, and we will continue to raise awareness and to ensure that the Capilano University locations remain safe spaces for women, LBGTQ+ and Two-Spirit staff, students, and faculty to learn and study.

In Solidarity,

Eduardo Azmitia