Brock University taking a very stern approach to a racist tweet that was sent out targeting Indigenous Peoples.
The University releasing a statement this afternoon following the tweet from the account of former Political Science Professor Garth Stevenson.
The tweet states that he's sick of so called "First Nations" or "Indigenous" or whatever they call themselves following as tribute by an actor at the Shaw Festival this week.
The tweet says "this is OUR country and not theirs and we don't need to apologize for being here".
He also says he will never speak to a member of that "ethnic group" again.
Stevenson was a political science professor at Brock for 31 years and retired in 2012.
Brock University says it condemns the inflammatory statements, and calls the comments vulgar statements about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
Tom Dunk, the University’s Provost and Vice-President Academic, says that Stevenson retired more than half a decade ago, is no longer employed by Brock and any comments he makes on social media or elsewhere are solely his own.
“Brock has no connection whatsoever with his views, and abhors comments that have been posted on his social media sites,” said Dunk.
Social Sciences Professor Scott Henderson, who is Chair of the University’s Senate, said he expects a meeting by Senate in the coming days to discuss the honorary title of Professor Emeritus that was given to Stevenson when he retired.
The title does not involve active participation on campus, and is routinely conferred upon full professors at their retirement.
Brock President Gervan Fearon said the University is appalled, and shares the pain and frustration felt by many members of the campus community, and in particular members of the Indigenous community, caused by the online posting.
“Brock remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing an inclusive and respectful work and learning environment, and calls upon all members of the campus community to respectfully engage each other with kindness and humility,” said Fearon.
“The abhorrent online comments emphasize why it is important that efforts continue to be made across Canadian society and all communities to advance the Calls to Action established under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well as equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
Fearon said Brock is a leader in advancing inclusivity and human rights on campus, and is committed to following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
