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19-year-old VIU student, identified as Spencer Frey, suffered injuries following a house party in Nanaimo  (submitted photo)
BEATING

Nanaimo RCMP investigating possible hate crime after assault on LGBTQ+ student

Mar 29, 2022 | 4:05 PM

NANAIMO — An investigation is underway following an apparent targeted attack against a local student.

Police say a 19-year-old man, attending the Nanaimo campus of Vancouver Island University, was assaulted at a house party on Old Slope Pl. off Mostar Rd. in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 27.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW investigators believe the individual was targeted because of his sexuality and connection with the LGBTQ+ community.

“We want to make it plainly clear the RCMP does not condone this type of activity and are extremely upset as everybody else in the community is and we’re working as aggressively as possible.”

The student sustained facial injuries as a result of the assault, with multiple social media posts sent to NanaimoNewsNOW identifying him as Spencer Frey.

The posts, including one from Frey’s brother, allege he was sitting in a chair “minding his own business when the attack happened.” The brother also alleged multiple men were involved in the attack.

O’Brien would not comment further on details related to the investigation, but did ask anyone who was at the party to come forward to the Nanaimo detachment.

Vancouver Island University were quick to confirm the incident did not occur at their Nanaimo campus, as indicated in some of the online posts.

A statement from VIU associate vice president of student affairs Irlanda Gonzalez Price said the school is supporting the student.

“VIU takes this very seriously and we are committed to working with the RCMP in their investigation. The safety of our students and employees is our highest priority, and we are committed to creating a space where all are welcome and all feel like they belong.”

The statement noted the student is recovering at home with their family.

“Our focus is to remind students and employees of the supports that are available to them. VIU is continuing to work with campus partners to enhance training and awareness activities that help build allyship.”

The university also circulated an email to students and employees further explaining the VIU’s position on the incident.

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On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW