WHAT IS HATE PROPAGANDA?

Hate propaganda

Under sections 318 and 319 of the Criminal Code, advocating or promoting genocide against any identifiable group; communicating statements in a public place that incite hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a Breach of the Peace; and communicating statements, other than in private conversation, that willfully promote hatred against any identifiable group are all classified as hate propaganda offenses. The Criminal Code defines an identifiable group as any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion or ethnic origin.

Hate propaganda usually comes in the form of pamphlets, business cards, flyers, posters, articles, etc. asserting that

• Canadians must put an end to multiculturalism - when Canada's roots are multicultural.
• Immigrants are taking our jobs - when immigration actually creates employment. And other that the First Nations, all Canadians were once immigrants!
• Anti-Hate laws are undemocratic - when hate groups advocate the use of democracy to gain power and then censor everyone else.
• "White rights" are being undermined by "minorities" - when our laws ensure equal rights and opportunities for everyone, including white people.
• "The Holocaust never happened" - when the authors clearly have not visited the Holocaust Memorial Centre in Toronto or Montreal (or a library). When you see these kinds of assertions, you're probably looking at the work of a hate group.

• Remove it, if possible, but DON'T THROW IT AWAY. Evidence of hate propaganda strengthens our resistance to hate groups.
• If hate material has been email to you, DON'T DELETE IT. Keep a copy of the offensive message; police investigators are sometimes able to trace their origin.
• Keep a written or photographic record of hate propaganda that can't be removed, such as graffiti.
• In all cases, contact Campus Security at 533-6111 or the Human Rights Office at 533-6886. If possible, provide them with originals of the material.
• If you find hate material off-campus, contact the Hate Crimes Unit of the Kingston Police directly at 549-4660. If the propaganda was posted in a store or building, let the owner/manager know that a hate group has been distributing material there.
• Be cautious when dealing with the media. Too much media coverage of hate propaganda only gives hate groups more of what they want - attention. The Human Rights Office or the Hate Crimes Unit are available to advise you on how best to develop a community response to hate activity.

Graffiti is considered by many to be a form of art and free expression, and there are appropriate times and places for graffiti art. However, property laws define graffiti which defaces campus property as illegal acts which can result in serious sanctions. In addition, anti-Semitic, sexist, racist or homophobic forms of graffiti are in fact, hate propaganda. Such acts have nothing to do with freedom of expression or art, but are serious criminal acts.>

In a university community, everyone is responsible for respecting property laws as well as other people's rights. Queen's Security should be notified immediately of any incident of racist, sexist or homophobic graffiti. The Queen's Security staff will arrange for the material to be removed as quickly as possible, and will take the necessary steps to record and monitor the situation. For a person who encounters such graffiti, reporting the incident is a means of challenging these acts of violence. This can help individuals deal with the anger and fear that such messages generate. It also contributes to creating a more secure environment by allowing the university administration to respond appropriately. The staff at the Human Rights Office are available to provide assistance and personal support for anyone wishing to take steps to report such incidents.