For many students attending UNBC, a place they consider to be their second home, it was a fight for diversity, equality and inclusion.
Staff and students at the university gathered to rally against the racially motivated posters supporting Neo-Nazism which were displayed on campus as well at the College of New Caledonia last week.
"Staying silent is the same as supporting it," said Hira Rashid, UNBC student and rally organizer.
"We want our campus to feel secure and safe and we want whoever is doing this to know they are not welcome."
It was the second time the flyers had been posted on the UNBC campus within the last three weeks.
"We received three reports on Sept. 18. All appeared to be the same posters, about six different styles, but the same website. The posters do not incite hatred against any identifiable group. Their function is to recruit persons by directing them to a website," said Cpl. Craig Douglass from the Prince George RCMP.
"We take these reports very seriously and will look at all possible charges including mischief against those responsible. The posters were glued on to property (not owned by the vandal) and took considerable effort to remove. We are seeking information from the public to identify these persons. These investigations are continuing," Douglass said.
For Rashid, its about bringing everyone together, to have their voices heard.
"We just wanted to make a statement against neo-nazism and white supremacy propaganda," Rashid said.
"I am directly affected by this because of my background but today is about inclusion and diversity."
For Rashid's sister, Fizza, UNBC has become her second home.
"I think bringing everyone together makes a statement, it brings us closer. This truly is my second home," Fizza said.
With about 80 gathered, students displayed signs with messages promoting love and unity.
"It is heartening to see that our community has so swiftly and passionately risen to have their voices be heard," said UNBC president, Daniel Weeks.
"We are a community that values social and cultural diversity. We welcome people from all walks of life, from scores of different countries, from all manner of faith and from all sexual orientations. That is what makes our community strong. That is what helps us provide and share a vibrant and positive learning environment."
This hate isn't what UNBC is all about according to UNBC student, Neelam Pahal.
"This is like my second home and seeing those posters changed how I felt," Pahal said. "The love here today creates a different atmosphere and turns it into something accepting. More people gather when they fight against hatred than they do for it."
