Concordia University is investigating after swastikas found, online threat made
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In addition to a violent confrontation between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups on Wednesday, Concordia University says it is also investigating an online threat and swastikas discovered on campus.
In a note posted online, president and vice-chancellor Graham Carr said the university “unreservedly condemns” the incidents and will make every effort to identify those behind them.
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“We at Concordia have witnessed a concerning rise in acts of intimidation and intolerant behaviour,” Carr wrote.
“Both Jewish and Muslim members of our community have reported provocative comments, insensitive or hostile social media posts, and expressed fears for their security on campus.”
An altercation between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups erupted at the university’s downtown campus on Wednesday, leading to an arrest and several injuries. The school says it believes some of those involved were not students.
The same day, Carr notes, the school was made aware of a student group posting a message on social media “that could reasonably be construed as inciting violence.”
In a separate incident, he says, swastikas were discovered in one of the school’s buildings.
The incidents come amid heightened tensions in Montreal caused by the Israel-Hamas war.
Recent weeks have seen pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests in the city and, earlier this week, a synagogue and Jewish community centre were firebombed in the West Island.
Carr wrote that he believes the majority of Concordia students condemn what happened at the school on Wednesday and said he regrets that “the actions of a few individuals have brought us to the point that we arrived at today.”
“Under no circumstances can we, as a community, tolerate the reprehensible acts of hate and violence that occurred,” he wrote.
Student-led groups from different universities, including Concordia and McGill, are planning a walkout on Thursday afternoon in what’s described as a “student rally for Gaza.”
Carr said the university is aware of the event and noted it is in no way sanctioned by Concordia.
“We are nevertheless concerned because the event is in the proximity of our downtown campus,” he wrote, adding the school will ensure regular campus activities can proceed as planned.
“Activities that may interfere with university operations or threaten the safety of our community members will not be tolerated,” he added.
jfeith@postmedia.com
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