HCS is outraged and saddened by the recent attack that targeted a Muslim family in London ON, claiming the lives of four members: Madiha Salman, 44; her husband Salman Afzaal, 46; their daughter Yumna Afzaal, 15; and Salman’s mother Talat Afzaal, 74. In the wake of this vile act of terrorism, we stand in solidarity with members of the Muslim community and other racialized communities across Canada. Our hearts go out to 9 year old Fayez Afzaal, the lone survivor, and to all who were impacted by the attack. As a department, HCS will continue to facilitate critical teaching and research on Islam and Muslims, as well as on the deep histories of racism in North America, and explore the intersectionality of race, religion, class, gender, migration regimes, and other relations of power that shape multiple social and cultural differences, injustices and inequalities. We reaffirm our commitment to confronting Islamophobia and all other forms of racism.
Read Principal Wisdom Tettey’s message in response to the London ON tragedy.
For students in need of support, help is available through the UTSC Health and Wellness Centre. Further support is also available through UofT My SSP (24/7 counselling support) by calling 1-844-451-9700 or downloading the app at the Apple App Store or Google Play. The International Student Centre, our Multi-Faith Centre chaplains and Muslim Chaplaincy are also available for support. Additional resources can also be found through the Navi wayfinder and the UofT Student Mental Health Resource.
Support for staff and faculty is available through the Employee and Family Assistance Program, or please call 1-800-663-1142.