The University of Windsor is taking further steps to investigate racist online chat messages that were allegedly shared between members of a student fraternity.
In a statement issued on Friday, University President Robert Gordon said a group of legal experts have been retained to launch an investigation into Delta Chi-Windsor fraternity and the "disturbing" Facebook chat messages, which were recently made public.
A letter sent to University President Robert Gordon alleges that members of the fraternity used a Facebook chat to perpetuate hate and endorse violence against people of colour and other minorities on campus. The messages were exchanged five years ago.
"The investigation is being led by Malcolm McKillop, Laura Williams, and Richard Appiah. Each of them has deep experience as a legal professional and investigator of discrimination and equity-related issues," said Gordon in his statement. "Their investigation will work to verify the highly inappropriate messages and actions, and confirm any violations of the University’s code of conduct. Its purview will extend to making any recommendations of disciplinary action."
Gordon added that since the information was brought to his attention, the university has confirmed the status of the students from the fraternity who allegedly shared the racist, sexist, and homophobic content. The university has also contacted the Windsor Police Service and the US-based leadership of Delta Chi regarding the content of the online chat messages.
The fraternity has no formal relationship with the university and is not recognized by the university’s student association. However, it is allowed to rent space on campus like any other organization in the community. The university has said will no longer be allowed pending the results of the investigation.
The investigation is expected to begin Monday, and Gordon is encouraging students, faculty, and staff who may have any information to share it with the investigators.
More information will be released about the investigation as it unfolds, Gordon said.
-With files from Maureen Revait