Langara College instructor on leave after calling Hamas attack ‘amazing’
Posted October 31, 2023 6:44 pm.
Last Updated October 31, 2023 7:29 pm.
A Langara College instructor is now on leave after she described Hamas’ attack on Israel as “amazing” and “brilliant.”
Natalie Knight spoke at a rally in Vancouver on Saturday to address the crowd that had gathered.
“We are members of a revolutionary mass organization in East Vancouver called United in Struggle. We unite workers, Indigenous people, and all oppressed people to fight back against the ruling elites,” she said.
In her speech, Knight praised the “determination and ingenuity” of six Palestinian political prisoners who had escaped from Gilboa prison in Israel using nothing but eating utensils.
Calls grew for the college to take action against the instructor as her comments were shared on social media.
In a statement made to CityNews on Tuesday morning, Langara College confirmed it was looking into the matter, but a statement released later in the evening revealed that Knight was now on leave.
“We are aware that a Langara employee shared their personal views during a public event in Vancouver, which has been shared on social media and addressed through news reports. These views do not represent those of the College,” it said.
“While the matter is under investigation, the employee is currently on leave. We ask for your patience and understanding as we follow this confidential process. However, we are conscious that this has greatly impacted our community.”
