02/16/2022
On February 15th, members of RESS and I were attacked by unknown individuals on Gould Street. Although many individuals occupied the street, the main attacker targeted our team, specifically those wearing Engineering jackets, like myself.Â
When I tried to use the security poles on Gould St., I experienced difficulty trying to climb over piles of ice, later to be met with a broken alert device. Another pole used to contact security near the RAC was also inaccessible by ice but was eventually triggered.Â
After personally being harassed numerous times on campus by non-Ryerson community members while wearing Engineering Leather, I am issuing this public statement to be highly cautious while at Ryerson. I advise all students to consider walking in groups or using Ryerson Security’s SafeWalk program.
I am also calling upon Ryerson Security and Ryerson Officials to implement stationed security guards on Gould St and other high traffic areas until further notice. The lack of visible security has led to our campus being overrun by predators and dangerous individuals. Hundreds of students in RESS surveys have echoed this concern, including concerns of guards fully witnessing non-Ryerson members overtaking Ryerson entrances and spaces.Â
As Ryerson administration attempts to promote safe spaces, they continue to ignore the presence of the Victoria St. Safe Injection Site, and the daily security incidents caused by patrons of the site. This is a serious issue that must be addressed before students and staff are severely affected. It should not be easier to be attacked on campus than it is to access the Library.Â
Stay Safe,
Gianluca Basile