Ryerson University Responds to Anti-Muslim and Anti-Jewish Vandalism

September 14, 2004

Source: The Eyeopener

http://www.theeyeopener.com/storydetail.cfm?storyid=1192

On September 14, 2004 The Eyeopener reported, "Toronto police and the Canadian Federation of Students are taking the hate crimes that happened on campus over the summer seriously. More uniformed police officers will be at Ryerson this year. But no new updates are available for the investigation into the threats and vandalism on campus. 'We're just showing the flag and saying "hi." It's mostly a [public relations] thing but we're also giving a subtle message-Big Brother is watching,' said Detective Matt Moyer of Toronto police's 51 Division who is in charge of the case... In late August, flyers and threats targeting Ryerson Muslims were found around campus. The flyers, posted in Jorgenson Hall, called Muslims 'infidels' and threatened violence. In June, the words 'Die Muslim Die,' were spray painted onto the wall of the multifaith centre. In response, RyeSAC printed thousands of posters and is planning a multifaith day on Sept. 15 to foster awareness of other faith groups on campus. All of the religious student groups have decorated a piece of cloth with a message of peace and tolerance. The messages will be sewn together to form a large banner that will hang in the lounge of the new student centre for its scheduled opening in January... Anti-Semitic bathroom graffiti is still a problem according to Amy Greenfeld, program co-ordinator of Hillel at Ryerson, but she said that it's always promptly removed once reported... She stresses that the groups are still getting along together, attending monthly meetings and promoting education and interfaith dialogue."