Message regarding unsanctioned street gatherings

Sept. 7, 2022

Dear Laurier students,

The health and safety of our community is our highest priority.

This weekend, hundreds of students participated in a large, unsanctioned gathering near our Waterloo campus that resulted in property damage, caused serious injury and put the physical safety of students and other residents at risk. We are aware that Laurier students and students from other universities participated in this gathering. Numerous individuals were seriously injured and required hospitalization. This type of unsanctioned gathering was dangerous and there is zero tolerance for this behaviour at Laurier.

Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and Laurier’s Special Constable Service (SCS) are collaborating to go through video footage to identify those from Laurier who engaged in illegal activities and caused injury. Any Laurier student who is identified may face criminal charges related to property damage, vandalism, and causing bodily harm. They may also face disciplinary actions from the university that may lead to their suspension and/or expulsion.

While the majority of our first-year students have enjoyed campus Orientation Week programming organized by the Students’ Union, which helps to foster a sense of campus spirit and pride across our campuses, it is disappointing that some have chosen to participate in behaviour that is dangerous to our community.

As our hospitals, healthcare providers and frontline responders continue to face increasing pressures from the pandemic, please do your part to remain safe and remember that you have a responsibility to each other and your neighbours. WRPS and SCS will also be working together to increase their security presence on and around our campus to ensure this reckless behaviour stops immediately.

Ivan Joseph
Vice-president: Student Affairs