In recent months we have all sadly witnessed incidents of hate, racism and xenophobia across the globe.
Tragedies such as today’s attack in Barcelona, and the unrest in Charlottesville, only serve to remind us that we cannot and must not tolerate hatred and racism.
These incidents are antithetical to the very fabric of a just society. In particular, they are antithetical to UBC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and to the values we hold and champion as an academic institution.
We must remember that Canada is not immune to similar challenges and we must work together to build a just and inclusive society.
As we welcome faculty, staff and especially new and returning students to UBC at the start of the coming academic year, let us work to ensure that everybody feels welcome and safe at our university.
Professor Santa J. Ono
President & Vice-Chancellor
The University of British Columbia