Events encourage remembrance of murder victims

Events this week will mark the December 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to honour the 14 female engineering students who were murdered at Montreal’s École Polytechnique on that date in 1989.

The Womyn’s Centre will host a screening of the 2009 film Polytechnique in the Oak Room, Vanier Hall, on Tuesday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m.

On Thursday, December 6, at 5:00 p.m. a candlelight vigil will be held at the Memorial of Hope located between Dillon and Essex halls. The vigil will be followed by a panel discussion in the Oak Room related to the film, as well as several other issues surrounding women, sexual orientation, and race.

Womyn’s Center coordinator Tracy Huynh anticipates a large turnout. She encourages those who are unfamiliar with the events of 1989 to come out and sit in on what will be a very inspirational two days.

“I want to stress the important of this event,” Huynh said, “People need to become educated about this and I hope for a very positive turnout.”

Both events are free and open to the public.

— by Nick Crep