UVic launches investigation into alleged anti-Ukrainian harassment on campus

The University of Victoria is looking into recent reports of harassment towards members of the Ukrainian Students Society.

On Thursday, the University of Victoria Students Society (UVSS) released a statement saying the harassment occurred during its Clubs and Course Union Days earlier this month.

“The UVIC Students’ Society condemns the acts of hate being perpetrated against Ukrainian students on campus,” reads the statement.

The UVSS Student Union Building is shown. (CTV News)“These acts of violence were influenced by the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, which we also condemn,” the statement adds.

“We stand in solidarity with Ukrainian students, many of whom have been affected more severely by this war than most of us can fathom.”

On Thursday, UVic said it had received complaints from the Ukrainian Students Society about harassment.

Then, one day later, UVic president Kevin Hall said an investigation into the complaints had been launched.

“I want to assure the university community—as well as those who have provided comments from further away—that we are taking action to address the discriminatory, harassing behaviour that some of our students have been experiencing on campus,” he said in a statement Friday.

The goal of the investigation is to identify people involved in the incidents and to support a “safer, more inclusive campus,” according to Hall.

The university said it had resources available to support students, such as the UVic equity and human rights website, if they are interested.

The UVSS also highlighted some of its resources, such as the UVSS peer support centre.