King's stands with Muslim community
June 7, 2021
The King's Principal sent this message to the King's community:
This is such a sad and angry day for me as the Principal of King’s and as member of the community in London. I join the leaders of Western, Brescia and Huron in stating that we are enraged and horrified at the news of a racist attack on members of London’s Muslim community.
At this time, we offer our prayers, deepest sympathies and support to the family and friends of those who were killed and injured in what London Police Services has described as a premeditated hate crime in London on June 6, 2021.
We stand with the Muslim and London community in condemning acts of hate and violence. It is unbelievable that we need to make this statement; racism has no place in this city, this province, this country. Diversity is our strength, and we must do everything in our power to stamp out hate. At King’s we are a family of many faiths and outlooks. To see any person targeted due to their beliefs and faith is beyond comprehension and totally reprehensible.
We will work with Muslim leaders to determine how to best support members of the community in face of these terrible murders. Our Campus Ministry department has deep connections with the Muslim community including operating our annual London Interfaith Peace Camp. We are heartbroken for our friends. A vigil to mourn the family whose lives were taken last night will be held tomorrow at the Oxford Street Mosque. The gathering will begin at 7 p.m. You can find more information about this vigil on the London Muslim Mosque Facebook page.
Personal Counselling is available to all King's students through Accessibility, Counselling and Student Development. Appointments can be arranged through email at acsd@kings.uwo.ca or via phone at 519-433-3491 ext. 7800 . You can find after hours supports here. Additional support for students is also offered through King's International at international@kings.uwo.ca or via phone at 519-433-3491 ext. 4623.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (FSEAP) can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Pastoral Counselling is available through the Office of Campus Ministry at 519-963-1477 or email Deacon Jim Panchaud.
We know that many members of our communities are grieving. We grieve with you, and we are here to support you if you need help.
Respectfully yours,
David C. Malloy, PhD
Principal
King’s University College