Police investigating online threats targeting women, feminists at U of T
Published: September 11, 2015
The University of Toronto is working with Toronto police as they investigate disturbing and graphic online threats made anonymously against women and feminists at the university.
The threats, which referred specifically to Women and Gender Studies and Sociology but did not name any individuals, are considered low in risk, police have told the university.
“Many of you are disturbed, as I am, at news of anonymous online threats targeting women at our university,” President Meric Gertler said in a statement released on September 11. “In response to these specific threats, we have increased the presence of our own police on all three campuses. We have shared information with our community about how faculty, students and staff can ensure their own safety and where to call if they see suspicious activity.
“Violence against women is a despicable reality in Canada and around the world. We must take every opportunity to condemn it and work tirelessly to bring it to an end.”
Read the president's full statement
In an email sent to all students, staff and faculty on September 10, Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr described the university’s response.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” Regehr said. “We are following the advice and direction of Toronto Police Services with respect to their expert assessment of safety on campus. We will continue to monitor the concern with Toronto Police Services and provide updates to the community.”
Regehr encouraged everyone to report any suspicious activity to the police at 911 or campus police St George: 416-978-2222, UTM: 905-569-4333, UTSC: 416-287-7333, and to consult the Community Safety Office and go to safety.utoronto.ca for more information.
Toronto Police Service issued a statement on September 11 saying officers from 52 Division and the Service's Cyber-Crime section, with the cooperation of the University of Toronto, have been actively investigating this case and “to date no credible threat has been identified.” (Read the complete news release.)
