On Jan. 12, Dean of Graduate Studies Fahim Quadir Tweeted that two Queen’s doctoral students were allegedly targeted in a racially motivated attack. 

“Two Queen’s doctoral students were taking a walk when they became the targets of a racially motivated attack by a driver who nearly ran them over,” Quadir wrote.

According to a Kingston Police press release, the incident took place on Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m. near L.C.V.I High School at the intersection of Van Order Dr and Norman Rogers Dr. 

The students reported that the perpetrator was the single operator of a blue or grey four-door vehicle, described as a Caucasian male between 40 to 60 years old.

“Police believe this incident may be a hate-motivated crime due to the ethnicity of both female pedestrians and that information points to it not simply being a case of driver error,” the press release said. 

Kingston Police said the incident will be thoroughly investigated. 

“The Kingston Police want to assure the public that they take all Hate-Motivated or Bias-Motivated criminal offences very seriously and utilize the appropriate resources to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted,” Sergeant Clement Nesanayagam wrote in an email sent to The Journal. 

Quadir said support has been offered to the students impacted by the incident.

“The University was deeply troubled to learn of this incident that occurred near the university and we are relieved the students involved are safe. We have offered support to the two students,” Quadir wrote in an email to The Journal.

“The University opposes racism in all its forms. We commend the students for reporting the incident to the Kingston Police Service so it can be investigated.”

Anyone with information on the matter is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Carla Stacey at 613-549-4660 or cstacey@kingstonpolice.ca.