Dean's Statements

Dear Western Science and Western Medical Science students,

I wish my beginning of term message to you could have taken a completely different tone. But as a campus community we are grappling with the tragic death of one student and a sequence of reports of sexual assault on campus.

I know that faculty, staff, and students alike feel the weight or impact of these incidents. I certainly do. 

I want to remind you of the University supports that are available for students.

Supports relating to gender-based and sexual violence are found at Health and Wellness and at Gender-based Violence & Survivor Support Case Manager.  

Of course, our Science & Basic Medical Sciences Academic Counselling team also stands ready to help. 

This is a very difficult time. As a Faculty, we will continue to support all those impacted by these events and condemn any form of violence in our community. I was proud to see our Science Sophs take a stand against sexual violence on campus, participating in a silent protest during O-Week closing ceremonies. I am also in full support of the SGBV Student Walkout planned for Friday, September 17 at noon. 

Thank you all for your care and compassion toward one another now, as always.

With my best, 
Matt Davison

Racism has no place in the University or London community. Everyone in Western Science is appalled by news of violence directed against Black and Indigenous people, particularly in Canada. This intensifies our resolve to remove obstacles and systemic barriers to creating a community in our Faculty of Science in which we can all study Science in an atmosphere of mutual respect. As a Faculty of Science and as members of the London community, we condemn all racist acts, whether intended or arising from ignorance, and the power imbalances they reflect and perpetuate. Power imbalances and racial biases also exist in our own Faculty community.

Our resolve to improve must be matched with thoughtful action. I affirm Western Science's active role and support in Western's response to the Anti-Racism Working Group Report. Over the coming weeks, I commit to working within and outside our Faculty to identify issues from staff, faculty, and students. This process will be followed by planning and action within our Faculty of Science, informed and led by our community. We will, together, speak up and stand up for the changes needed.

Matt Davison, Faculty of Science Dean