Queen’s University is condemning a racially-motivated attack against two Ph.D. students that occurred on January 6th, 2022. The victims were targeted by a driver who almost run them over while they were on an evening walk near the university.
“The University was deeply troubled to learn of this incident that occurred near the University, and we are relieved the students involved are safe. We have offered support to the two students,” Fahim Quadir, Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Professor of Global Development Studies, said to YGK News
Dr. Quadir also condemned the attack on social media, writing that the “[hate motivated] 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,” he added.
According to the Kingston Police, the incident occurred at 5:30 p.m on January 6, 2022. The victim reported that the vehicle was a four-door sedan, possibly blue or grey, and relatively newer. The car deliberately drove towards the victim and her friend as they walked at the northern intersection of Van Order Drive at Norman Rogers Drive, just west of L.C.V.I. high school. The vehicle had initially been westbound on Van Order Dr., making a left-hand turn to go 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 colour and women in hijab.
Kingston Police has recognized the incident to be hate-motivated because of the ethnicity of both female victims.
The driver was identified as a male Caucasian, between 40 and 60 years old, wearing a cap and being cleaned shaved.
The public is requested to share any information about the incident with Detective Sergeant Carla Stacey at 613-549-4660 ext 6242 or via email at cstacey@kingstonpolice.ca.
Along with the support sentiments coming from the community, Queen’s University offers a wide array of on campus available to any student who may feel impacted by this incident and need support. Additional resources include Faith and Spiritual Life staff or Empower Me, which provides 24/7 from countries around the world, Good2Talk, a 24/7 support line for post-secondary students, or Student Wellness Services.
