PEI

Charlottetown police investigate 'disturbing and offensive' graffiti at UPEI

Charlottetown police are investigating reports of graffiti at UPEI’s Chaplaincy Centre that university officials describe as 'disturbing and offensive.'

Security at Chaplaincy Centre enhanced, support offered to anyone affected

The UPEI entrance.
Anyone who has information about the graffiti is being asked to reach out to UPEI Security Services or P.E.I. Crime Stoppers. (Tracy Lightfoot/CBC)

Charlottetown police are investigating reports of graffiti at the University of Prince Edward Island Chaplaincy Centre that university officials describe as "disturbing and offensive."

In a written statement, the university administration told CBC News the graffiti "demonstrated misogyny, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, anti-Christian sentiment, sexual deviance, and threats of sexual violence."

Officials declined to provide any specific information about the wording to prevent further harm.

"This type of behaviour is unacceptable and falls outside UPEI's commitment to build a culture of trust, safety, and inclusion … Incidents of this nature are deeply harmful, and we understand it can have an impact on individuals, the communities targeted, and the entire campus community," the statement reads.

"Our primary concern will always be the safety of our community members and their right to feel secure on our campus. We will not tolerate hate or calls for violence that threaten this safety and security."

According to the statement, security at the Chaplaincy Centre has been enhanced and support is available to anyone in the university community who has been affected by the incident.

Charlottetown police confirmed to CBC News that the incident was reported by UPEI security and an investigation is underway.

Anyone with information is being asked to reach out to UPEI Security Services at security@upei.ca or 902-566-0384, or to P.E.I. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).