Statement from Linda Melnick, Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation:
At the Women's Rugby home game between the Gaels and Guelph Gryphons on September 23, it was brought to the attention of Queen's Athletics & Recreation (A&R) that racist comments were made by a spectator towards a visiting student-athlete.
After being notified of the incident by officials at halftime, immediate action was taken to try to identify the individual. Additional A&R event staff were reallocated to monitor the stands during the second half, and event supervisors connected with Guelph representatives to provide support following the conclusion of the match. We continue to investigate this incident, and encourage anyone with information, who attended Saturday's game at Nixon Field, to please share it by filing a report. A&R has also initiated the University's Harassment and Discrimination reporting process, and filed a report with Ontario University Athletics (OUA).
Harassment and discrimination of any kind are unacceptable, and have no place in sport, on our campus or in our community. A&R and the Queen's Women's Rugby program have zero tolerance for racism. Home and visiting athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators have the right and expectation to a safe and respectful environment at all times.  We sincerely regret this happened at a game, and we acknowledge these incidents cause severe harm to many members within our broader community. We encourage any student affected to access resources available through Student Wellness Services, and we remain in contact with Guelph Athletics on actions taken to date, as well as next steps.
Effective immediately, A&R will be implementing additional measures at all events to promote compliance with the OUA Spectator Code of Conduct. This includes increased staffing levels, security presence, signage, and announcements about our behavioural expectations of spectators.
Queen's student spectators are reminded that actions at A&R events may be subject to Non-Academic Misconduct sanctions under the Queen's Student Code of Conduct, and visitors to Queen's may be removed and/or banned from University property for improper conduct.
A&R remains steadfast in its commitment to Safe Sport, and the creation of a safe, positive and healthy training and competitive environment free of maltreatment and abuse. We reaffirm our ongoing commitment to Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility (I-EDIAA) to help ensure the safety and security of A&R participants, and enact purposeful change and positive shifts in values, beliefs and practices to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.