Statement on values and campus policies from President Hall

September 6, 2024

Dear members of the university community,

As we begin a new term, I want to take a moment to share some of my thoughts on the recent disruptions and encampments that occurred on many university campuses over the summer—including here at UVic. The current war between Hamas and Israel and the related humanitarian crisis have been going almost a year now and as yet, there seems to be little hope for a resolution. Personally, I once again add my voice to the chorus of many calling for peace, the release of hostages and an end to the violence.

While we are located far from Palestine and Israel, we know that this war touches many members of our university community. As we experienced throughout the summer, many of the students, faculty and staff at UVic have very passionate, and at times opposing, beliefs. As a university, we are committed to fostering an environment where the free exchange of ideas, civil discourse and peaceful protest are welcomed and integral to our academic mission. The voices of our students, staff and faculty are vital to our vibrant community, and we deeply respect the right to express diverse perspectives on important issues.

This freedom of expression, however, does not extend to acts of racism or exclusion, such as Islamophobia and Antisemitism, that have been occurring at our university. This is completely unacceptable. Nor does it extend to disruption of university activities or damage or destruction of university property.

We can disagree, but that disagreement must take place in a manner that does not harass or discriminate against any member of our community, or unreasonably prevent people from attending classes, conducting research, going about their business or participating in activities at the university. Activities on our campus must uphold our values and adhere to the policies and employment collective agreements that ensure the physical safety, respect and inclusion of every member of our community.

I share this because acts that occurred over the course of the summer and the vandalism this past weekend exhibited a disregard for the needs of many members of the university community and violated university policies. These policies are designed to maintain the university as a space that is available and welcoming to all.

We support the right to peaceful and lawful protest, but we have a reasonable expectation that those protests will occur legally, in a manner that supports an inclusive community, and in accordance with our university’s policies and collective agreements. After reflecting on our experience this summer, and the divisions that were created in our community, university leadership will be diligent in enforcing our policies—including looking to our policing partners for their support, if needed.

People who are found to be responsible for acts in violation of policy will be subject to the consequences available to us through those policies, including being removed and banned from campus. At the discretion of law enforcement, criminal actions may be prosecuted.

I would also like to underscore our commitment to conduct that respects the rights and needs of all members of our community. We must always engage with one another in a manner that upholds the dignity and humanity of each individual, regardless of the issue at hand. Our community is strengthened when we engage in dialogue that is thoughtful, informed and free from harassment, discrimination and hate speech. There is no place on our campus for actions or language that threaten the safety, well-being or legitimacy of others.

As we move into the new academic year, we must continue to engage with the important issues of our time in ways that reflect the values of respect, inclusion and intellectual rigour that define our university. I encourage all members of our community to participate in this ongoing dialogue, and in doing so, to uphold and respect the values that make our campus a welcoming environment for everyone.

Thank you for your commitment to these principles and for being an active part of our university community. I know that these are difficult times and challenging conversations—if you need support, please reach out to the services available to all members of the university community.

Sincerely,

Kevin Hall
President and Vice-Chancellor

Supports for all

If you feel you have experienced personal harassment or discrimination, please contact the Equity and Human Rights office.
Campus Security: uvic.ca/security or 250-721-7599
The Multifaith Centre is a space on campus open and available to all students, staff and faculty. Our team includes Anglican, Bahà'í, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian Science, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim, Presbyterian, Unitarian and United representatives.

Students

Download a list of student resources and supports

SupportConnect is a confidential mental health support service available free of cost to UVic students. Through this resource, you can be connected with qualified counsellors, consultants and life coaches anytime, anywhere.
Toll-free (calls from North America): 1-844-773-1427
International collect calls: 1-250-999-7621
Student Wellness Centre offers holistic wellness support for UVic students, including mental health and spiritual care
- Students can connect one-on-one with a spiritual care provider. Please call us at 250-721-8338 or email us to book an appointment.
Find information on seeking an academic concession or speak with your instructor.