I know that we all are deeply saddened by the tragic and utterly senseless deaths at a mosque in Quebec City, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives. This horrible event is all the more disturbing, because a place of worship should be a safe place, a place of complete security. This sort of violence based on hate is completely unacceptable in any society, and is a threat to our very civilization. We must all speak out against racism and islamophobia whenever we witness it.
I believe the university and the library is, at its heart, a place where we value diversity and difference and stand against hatred and bigotry in any form. All members of our communities are welcome here at the U of T Libraries, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to create inclusive and welcoming spaces.
I invite you to read the President’s Statement on the Events in Quebec City: http://www.president.utoronto.ca/statement-on-the-events-in-quebec-city
Sincerely yours,
Larry P. Alford
Chief Librarian
University of Toronto
