Security at the University of Calgary removed about 40 anti-Muslim posters that were put up overnight and president Elizabeth Cannon says the messages are offensive and do not reflect the culture on campus.

The posters were found Tuesday morning and Calgary police were called in to investigate.

“The University of Calgary is committed to creating a safe and respectful campus for all students, faculty, staff and visitors,” said Cannon in a statement released on the University’s website. “These are disturbing, extremely offensive posters that in no way reflect the inclusive, diverse and caring culture of this university. Campus Security took immediate action to remove these posters and will be working with Calgary Police to investigate who posted them.’

“The Faith and Spirituality Centre is deeply saddened to hear about the anti-Muslim posters that were found on campus this morning,” said Adriana Tulissi, manager, Faith and Spirituality Centre at the University of Calgary. “We strive to provide a braver space on campus and to foster and build awareness, understanding and active pluralism.” 

The university held a gathering over the noon hour to talk about the messages and president Cannon addressed the crowd.

“To see something like this is truly disturbing. It makes me personally very angry. We’ve obviously turned this over to Calgary police, they’re investigating as we speak. We hope the perpetrators can be identified and held to account,” said Cannon.

Campus security removed the posters and the university says it has reached out the Muslim Students’ Association, Ahmadiyya Muslim Students’ Association, Calgary Ismaili Students’ Association, Thaqalayn Muslim Association, Women’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Students’ Association, and others for support.