Message to students following illegal gathering

Sept. 6, 2021

From Ivan Joseph, Vice-President: Student Affairs

Wilfrid Laurier University is aware of an illegal gathering on and near our Waterloo campus on the evening of Sept. 5. Both Waterloo Regional Police Service and Laurier’s Special Constable Service responded to what was clearly a violation of Ontario’s public health measures and a display of disrespectful behaviour in our community. 

This behaviour on the part of any Laurier student is extremely disappointing. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community members have been taking precautions to keep themselves, their friends, and loved ones safe. This gathering is a threat to the health of everyone in our community, as well as added work for hospitals and healthcare workers who are already overloaded.

The gathering also resulted in vandalism to city and university property.

Any Laurier student who is found to have participated in this activity could face fines for violating the Reopening Ontario Act and will be reviewed under the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct.

We expect more from our students. Being a member of the Wilfrid Laurier University community is a privilege, and students who vandalize property and break public health guidelines will be held accountable for their actions. Please think about what it means to be a Laurier Golden Hawk, how you represent yourself to our communities, and the impact of your choices.