UWindsor Pride centre closes early after incidents of 'hate-driven vandalism'

The University of Windsor Students' Alliance (UWSA) says it's looking at more ways to ensure student safety after a series of "hate-driven vandalism" was etched into the door of its Pride centre earlier this month.

UWSA president Ghallia Hashem says they opted to close the centre a week early after three slurs — that she described as homophobic — were found on a door the mornings of April 10, 11 and 12.

"The Pride centre coordinator reached out to me and we had a conversation about whether or not we should leave it open or whether or not we should close it," said Hashem.

"And honestly, it was a really long back and forth …  because we recognize that the Pride centre is the only safe space that is exclusively for people who identify within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or their allies."

"If we couldn't guarantee that the space was safe at this time, then we couldn't in good conscience support students going there."

Ghallia Hashem is the president for the University of Windsor Students' Alliance (UWSA). (Tyler Clapp/CBC)

In each case, Hashem says the slur was covered over, only to reappear the next day.

Now, she says, the student alliance has taken the opportunity to launch a needs assessment for the 2SLGBTQ+ community on campus.

The assessment is available online or through the UWSA's social media and takes about 15 minutes to complete.

"[It's about] what we need to do to ensure that our members of the two-spirit LGBTQIA+ community are welcomed, are inclusive in the spaces that they're in, and what we can do to put forth plans to ensure that instances like this never happen again."

Some of the measures they're looking for feedback on, for when the centre reopens, include additional training for staff, faculty and administration. Added security, like cameras for the Pride centre, are also being considered.

"We find that folks are less likely to commit crimes if they're being watched, unfortunately," she said.

"It also just protects students, allows them to feel safe knowing that if anything were to occur, there is a record of it."

Hashem says the Pride centre is in need of a clothing rack to store its supply of gender-affirming clothing for students. She also encourages people to share the needs assessment.

"I think that we should really take this opportunity to take stock of how we need to grow and then create a path to do better," she said.

Hashem says the university's special constable service is investigating but there were no updates to share at this time.

University urges students to report incidents

In a statement, the University of Windsor said it's aware of the incident and "strongly encourages" anyone who witnesses hate or discrimination to report it to the on-campus police or the Windsor Police Service.

"The University and its community condemns all forms of hate and discrimination, and we are actively investigating these incidents with our Special Constable Service," a statement read.

"The University was saddened to learn that the incidents prompted a decision to close the centre a week earlier than scheduled for the semester, which is regrettable."