Safety and respect on campus: week of October 7 to 11

Hello,

We’re writing to share some information and resources in the lead up to the week of October 7 as we anticipate planned demonstrations and walkouts during that week, and in particular, on October 7. 

We are aware of a number of protests planned across the city and on our downtown campus on that date and have taken steps to support a climate of safety and respect on campus. These steps include: 

• increasing the presence of our agents and adjusting their deployment, as well as other security measures that may affect access to buildings 
• holding meetings with student leaders with a particular emphasis on regulations governing civil discourse and peaceful protest on campus. This includes informing them that we will not tolerate behaviour on campus that creates a climate of intimidation or that constitutes harassment. Note that the CSU has made the decision to cancel all events scheduled on the Hall Mezzanine for the week of October 7-11.
• refusing or cancelling events that we consider likely to raise security concerns and/or lead to a climate of intimidation.
• continuing to seek police involvement when necessary.

We understand that October 7 will be a difficult day for many Concordians. In this context, any member of the community who feels they cannot be on campus can, exceptionally, choose to undertake their activities remotely. We ask for understanding and flexibility from all managers and instructors.  

• Instructors may choose to deliver their classes online. Decisions should be communicated to students via Moodle by Friday noon. The CTL has resources to support remote teaching and is available to provide assistance.  
• Students who decide not to attend in-person classes should not be penalized. We ask instructors to show as much flexibility as possible within the limits of your courses. 
• Staff who are normally eligible to work in a hybrid format in accordance with our Flexible Hybrid Work Guidelines may choose not to be on campus and should be allowed to work remotely. Please inform your manager of your decision.

All buildings will remain open, and services will remain available. There may be an increase in remote delivery of services in certain areas. 

It is normal for members of our community to have different perspectives on local and global issues as well as on topics related to equity and injustice. We are determined to have Concordia be a place where people feel welcome, where everyone can participate in campus life without fear of intimidation and harassment and where differences of opinion are expressed in a civil and respectful manner. 

Key resources:

• Please take a moment to review behaviour guidelines and to understand your rights and responsibilities outlined in the Code of Rights and Responsibilities.  
• For Faculty and staff: Consult the Employee Assistance Program for confidential counselling and support. 
• For students: See what counselling and psychological services are available to you. 
• If you are concerned about your safety or observe any prohibited behaviour, contact Campus Safety and Prevention Services at 514-848-3717, or ext. 3717. 
• If you believe that you have been impacted by a Code violation, feel that a member of the Concordia community has engaged in harassment, discrimination, physical violence or threats, or if you wish to lodge a complaint, please contact the Office of Rights and Responsibilities at 514-848-2424, ext. 8659 or email rights@concordia.ca  
• Download the Rave Guardian app if you have not done so already. You’ll get more direct access to campus safety resources and will receive alerts during an emergency.   
• Familiarize yourself with university emergency procedures.

Activities for reflection and learning will continue during this week. Please consult the STRIVE Task Force website to learn about opportunities to share your experiences with identity-based violence at Concordia and about the work of the Anti-Arab & Islamophobia and Antisemitism subcommittees. Pause for Compassion & Spirituali-tea sessions will also be offered throughout the week. 

We understand that the week of October 7 to 11 will be a difficult time for many Concordians and we are taking all appropriate measures to maintain a conducive environment for learning and working. We remain available to address any questions or concerns that you may have. 

Regards,