Recent news regarding a violent police incident in January involving a student living near UBC’s Okanagan campus has raised concern among our university community. Foremost is concern for the student, and the university’s Health and Wellness team has reached out to offer support.
We take student safety and wellbeing very seriously. Our aim is to ensure the Okanagan campus is a safe place to live, study and work. In recent weeks, UBC has taken a firm stand in condemning violence, anti-Black and anti-Asian racism and the continued racism and oppression that is directed at Indigenous communities. In light of this recent police incident, we reaffirm that UBC condemns violence and injustice of any kind.
In instances such as this one it is the purview of the courts to determine a legal outcome, and we understand an internal police investigation is also under way. We encourage a thorough review, but as the matter is currently before the court, it would not be appropriate for the university to comment further.
While the incident did not take place on campus, safety in our community is a priority and we will explore ways to improve community awareness of services such as mental health supports and where to find assistance on- or off-campus. If a person is in distress on campus, the UBC Okanagan Campus Security team is available immediately, at any time, by calling 250-807-8111.
If you or someone you know has been directly or indirectly affected by this news or any other situation, a variety of support services are available to help.
- Counselling and mental health services are available to all UBC Okanagan students from Health and Wellness counsellors and nurses, and they can be reached at 250-807-9270.
- UBCO students also have 24/7 access to Studentcare’s EmpowerMe support services. EmpowerMe can be accessed by phone at 1-844-741-6389 or via EmpowerMe online service.
- The Province of British Columbia has developed a 24/7 free, confidential counselling and community referral service available via app, phone and web. Please use this link for more information: Here2Talk.
Sincerely,
Deborah Buszard
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal
UBC Okanagan
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