President Randhawa's Statement on Charlottesville

Dear Western Community,

I was horrified and deeply saddened by the tragic events in Charlottesville this past weekend. Acts of racism, Nazism, white nationalism and similar ilk have no place in society.

The vile hatred on display this weekend from white nationalists is revolting and antithetical to Western`s core values of inclusion, diversity and collaboration. At Western and all universities, the power of education must show the way to genuine acceptance and understanding, a counterweight to the ugliness and violence of racism and hatred. Western is committed to building a safe, authentically inclusive environment in which all people, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion or ability, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. That is the great American dream, and a key component of Western`s mission.
 
Together we must work to oppose bigotry in all its forms, and to support all members of our campus and larger communities. We all need to ensure that Western is an inclusive and safe environment for all members of our community, one that is committed to social justice for all.

Sabah Randhawa
President