This message is shared on behalf of Dr. Elaine Popp, President.
Today, Durham College (DC) joins Canadians across the country in observing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
We honour and remember the 14 women killed on December 6, 1989, at L’École Polytechnique in Montréal in a horrific act of violence fueled by hate and misogyny.
The loss of these bright and talented women continues to deeply impact our post-secondary communities across Canada. As we mourn them, we also reflect on all those whose lives have been impacted by gender-based violence.
At DC, we will hold ceremonies at both the Whitby and Oshawa campuses to honour this important date with flags lowered to half-mast.
I invite you to join us at the Whitby campus in the Don Lovisa Building atrium at 10 a.m. or at the Oshawa campus in The Pit in the Gordon Willey at 2 p.m. If you are unable to attend in person, please consider observing a moment of reflection today.
This day is a call to action to build a world where everyone can pursue their aspirations without fear of violence and where we can all thrive. To achieve this, we must challenge the systems, attitudes, and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequality.
Together, we can work to dismantle harmful stereotypes, support survivors, and advocate for policies that protect victims while holding perpetrators accountable. Education, awareness, and allyship are critical tools in the fight to end gender-based violence.
