Divisive events on campus

 In connection with a divisive public event that has apparently been planned for Dec. 2, 2025, please see yesterday’s statement from UVic Acting President Robina Thomas:

“….I want to assure you that the university remains steadfast in our pledge to uphold ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL | respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things. We honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. As articulated in our Indigenous Plan, we honour the self-determining rights of Indigenous People and recognize that doing otherwise perpetuates harm. 

Organizers of the event did not advise the university and did not submit a request to host it on our campus. As such, this event is not sanctioned by our university and is not authorized to take place on our campus.  

I know events like this are impactful and members of our community are experiencing harm as a result. Please know that resources and supports are available on campus and in our community (linked below). In moments like this, our strength lies in unity and in living our values. We must support one another and affirm the inclusive, respectful culture we can only build together….”

The Philosophy Department is committed to upholding the values expressed in the University’s Indigenous Plan, and to providing an environment for all students, staff, and faculty that is safe, inclusive, and respectful.

Philosophy places a distinctive emphasis on students’ critically reflecting on their beliefs and values, thoughtfully engaging with others’ positions, and articulating good reasons for their own. In this way, the value of philosophy extends far beyond its subject matter.”

—Patrick Rysiew, Chair

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The Philosophy Department is committed to providing an environment for all students, staff, and faculty that is safe, inclusive, and respectful. We affirm the diverse identities of persons and the rights all individuals have to be treated with dignity and respect irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, class, or national origin. This basic commitment entails, among other things, specific recognition and support for trans, queer, two-spirited, and non-binary people and we respect individuals’ rights to self-determination and self-description.

We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the University of Victoria stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.