University of Waterloo standing in solidarity after stabbing spree sends three to hospital

The mood on the University of Waterloo (UW) campus was sombre but united, the day after a stabbing spree in a gender studies classroom sent two students and a professor to hospital.

The mood on the University of Waterloo (UW) campus was sombre but united, the day after a stabbing spree in a gender studies classroom sent two students and a professor to hospital.

Classes resumed as normal at Hagey Hall – the site where a professor and two students were stabbed on Wednesday afternoon – however, only a handful of students were seen going into the building.

On Thursday, hundreds of people gathered in the quad, including students, university administrator, staff and Waterloo region’s police chief.

The grief was visible on many faces, some expressing shock that an assault like this could happen on campus.

Calling it a hate-filled attack, university president Vivek Goel told those on campus there is no room for hate in this community, and urged everyone to support each other through this trauma.

“We will be leaving our pride and 2 spirit flags in place until the end of July. Let these flags be a reminder that you are loved, that you belong here, no matter who you are,” Goel said.

He said it’s all the more painful that someone would target the LGBTQ2S+ community during Pride month, adding he understands that the community and women may feel disproportionately impacted.