Queen’s University is condemning a racially motivated attack on two Ph.D. students occurred on January 6, 2022. The victims were attacked by a driver who almost hit them while they were taking a night walk near the university.
“The University was deeply concerned to learn of this incident that occurred near the University, and we are relieved that the students involved are safe. We have offered support to the two students,” Fahim Quadir, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor of Global Development Studies, told YGK News.
Dr. Quadir also condemned the attack on social media, writing that the “[hate motivated] The attack has no place in Kingston or our nation.”
“The University opposes racism in all its forms. We commend the students for reporting the incident to the Kingston Police Service so it can be investigated.”
According to Kingston Police, the incident occurred at 5:30 pm on January 6, 2022. The victim reported that the vehicle was a four-door sedan, possibly blue or gray, and relatively newer. The car deliberately drove toward the victim and her friend as they walked at the north intersection of Van Order Drive at Norman Rogers Drive, just west of LCVI High School. The vehicle was initially heading west on Van Order Dr. and turned left to head south on Norman Rogers Dr.
Community members took to Twitter to share their support for the victims. Some also shared how the incident affected them, especially people of color and women in hijabs.
Kingston police have acknowledged that the incident was motivated by hate due to the ethnic origin of both female victims.
The driver was identified as a Caucasian male, between 40 and 60 years old, wearing a cap and clean shaven.
The public is asked to share any information about the incident with Detective Sergeant Carla Stacey at 613-549-4660 ext 6242 or via email at [email protected]
Along with the supportive sentiments coming from the community, Queen’s University offers a wide range of Supporting services on campus available to any student who may be affected by this incident and needs support. Additional resources include faith and spiritual life staff or empower me, which provides 24/7 from countries around the world, good2speak, a 24/7 support line for post-secondary students, or Student Welfare Services.
Reference-ygknews.ca