University completes investigation into Guelph pub night that included hate symbols and discriminatory slurs | CBC News
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The University of Guelph says its campus safety office has completed an investigation into a pub night that saw students wear T-shirts with hate symbols and discriminatory slurs and language.
The Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College posted on Facebook that the January event in question was an Aggie Pub night. The theme was graffiti night, where students wore white shirts and other students painted graffiti on their shirts.
Last month, the University of Guelph said in an email to staff, faculty and students that it was investigating “a deeply troubling” on-campus event.
On Friday, the university confirmed to CBC News that investigation is “now complete” but it cannot share what, if any, consequences the students may have faced.
“Students alleged to have participated in behaviour that violates university policy have been referred to the Office of Student Accountability. Decisions regarding individual student responsibility for alleged breaches of policy, and any resulting sanctions, will be made in accordance with the resolution processes outlined in the student rights and responsibilities policy,” the university said in a statement.
“This process is currently underway. The university cannot comment on the specific outcomes for individual students.”
The Guelph Police Service said at the time that officers were also investigating the pub night, but spokesperson Scott Tracey said Friday officers were assisting the university’s safety office and the “investigation was entirely undertaken” by the school.
“Any punishment deemed appropriate by school officials would be handled internally, and there is no ongoing involvement by police,” Tracey said.
The Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) said in a Facebook post on Jan. 20 that the pub night had taken place during the previous week and “there was a deeply troubling incident involving the use of racist, antisemitic, anti-Black, and homophobic language, and the appearance of hate symbols.”
“These actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our college,” the post went on to say.
“As a student community, we all share responsibility for upholding respect, accountability, and inclusion. We encourage students to speak up, support one another, and choose empathy in their actions. OAC must remain a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”