Sexist comment on social media sparks concerns at Fanshawe College

A screenshot of a Reddit post titled 'There's a predator at Fanshawe.' The post includes a screenshot of a troubling and misogynistic Instagram comment. CREDIT: GRACIA ESPINOSA
The Reddit post shared on Jan. 6 drew attention to the misogynistic comment made by someone connected to Fanshawe College.

Fanshawe College has initiated an investigation following reports of violent threats shared to Fanshawe’s Reddit page on Jan. 6.

Initially, a screenshot of an Instagram comment was shared in the Reddit group InstaCelebsGossip, but later that same day, Reddit user Nansthehacker reposted it in the Fanshawe College Sub-Reddit, where it gained attention within the college community. Nansthehacker shared the screenshot of the comment, adding in the caption that “there is a predator at Fanshawe.”

The comment in question, posted by Instagram user @mebghagyespatel, made several inflammatory remarks about women, suggesting that crime against women should “increase to its maximum.”

The Fanshawe College Student Success and Here For You logos are shown. A young person is shown standing. Young adults are shown sitting in a room. Text states: We believe we can break down barriers and build a college where we all belong.

 

Redditors said they were able to connect the individual who made the comment to Fanshawe by searching his name, which they allege led to the discovery of now-deleted LinkedIn and Facebook pages, both of which listed Fanshawe International as part of his education history. The college has not confirmed the identity of the individual nor have they confirmed whether or not he is or ever was a student at Fanshawe.

Multiple users reported the post to college authorities, including the campus security team and the Sexual Violence Prevention office.

“Report this person to the college. People with these attitudes and ideas are dangerous,” user mikeservice1990 said.

Another user, Honest_Activity_1633, suggested reporting the comment to Fanshawe president, Peter Devlin, and his office.

Fanshawe College’s Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Mackenzie Hurting, confirmed that she received the first complaints on Jan. 6 and emphasized the institution’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students.

“I acknowledge that the comments that were made are incredibly troubling. And it runs counter to the values that, of course, a college community holds. Fanshawe does not tolerate and does not condone any behaviour or language that perpetuates harm, discrimination, hate or violence,” Hurting stated.

A coordinated response with Fanshawe’s campus security team is conducting a thorough investigation with regional authorities.

“Campus security responded to us, confirming they have been notified. They received multiple reports on it, and then they conducted their investigation. We ensure it is going in the right direction because our campus security will investigate it. And they’re going to be the ones who can get connected with the proper regional authorities,” Hurting said.

Hurting also highlighted the importance of community involvement in addressing harmful attitudes.

“We want a campus that fosters inclusivity and respect for one another. We want to educate on preventative, you know, the impacts of gender-based violence and sexual violence, not just on specific individuals, but as a whole because ensuring campus safety and everyone needs to come together to combat these harmful attitudes.”

Students affected by such incidents are encouraged to seek support. Hurting’s office provides a confidential and safe space for students to discuss their experiences. It also connects them with on-campus services such as counselling, campus support, and partnerships with community organizations.

“Unfortunately, we cannot control people’s thoughts or behaviours. But we can control how we react to them and ensure this will not be tolerated,” Hurting noted.

The college’s policies explicitly cover online behaviour, and individuals who violate the code of conduct may face disciplinary action.

“Whether it occurs online or in person, we do take the allegation seriously. And all of that has been forwarded to our campus security,” Hurting said.

The Reddit community’s swift condemnation of the post underscores the collective responsibility in fostering a safe environment.

“Not one person agreed with it. People were calling it out. And that’s the important thing because that’s part of being an active bystander: calling it out, saying that it is not okay, recording it, and reporting it,” Hurting said.

The college will provide updates as the situation develops to ensure transparency and maintain trust within the campus community. The institution encourages anyone who witnesses or experiences concerning behaviour to promptly report it to campus security or the Sexual Violence Prevention office.

For more information on support services and reporting mechanisms, students can visit the college’s official website or contact the Sexual Violence Prevention office directly.