B.C. university student injured in alleged homophobic assault at off-campus party

A pupil at Vancouver Island College was injured Saturday night in what he says was an unprovoked homophobic assault at an off-campus get together in Nanaimo.

Spencer Frey, 19, who overtly identifies as homosexual, informed CBC Information that he and a buddy had attended a home get together with different pupil the place alcohol was being consumed, when a number of attendees he did not acknowledge verbally and sexually assaulted him all through the night. 

Frey stated the difficulty started when one younger man referred to as him “disgusting” and uttered a homophobic slur. 

Someday later, one other man approached and groped his rear-end “which made me so uncomfortable,” stated Frey, including the individual licked his lips suggestively at him earlier than strolling away. 

“I used to be in shock,” stated Frey. “I could not even say something. Often, I am the kind of one that would go loopy.” 

The assaults escalated, Frey stated, when a 3rd younger man approached him, accusing him of staring after which punched Frey within the face when he denied the accusations.

Frey stated he was knocked to the bottom and he sustained extra blows to the face earlier than he and his buddy managed to go away the home — with out his sneakers.

On account of the assaults, Frey stated he was left with a swollen face, black eye, accidents to his mouth and contusions on his neck the place, he says, somebody tried to strangle him together with his collar. 

Nanaimo RCMP investigating

Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien confirms police are investigating the incident however couldn’t give additional particulars.

Ella McNeill, Frey’s buddy on the get together, stated she could not consider what she witnessed as she helped him depart the home whereas a handful of partygoers have been nonetheless attempting to assault him.

“I am nonetheless shaking as I speak about it,” stated McNeill.

She stated the pair returned to Vancouver Island College the place they stay and didn’t contact police till the morning, as a result of they have been so surprised and frightened. 

Frey’s mom, Erin Frey, informed CBC she’s “extraordinarily indignant” that her son was attacked, seemingly on the idea of his sexual orientation, and that she flew to Nanaimo from Vancouver early the following day, the place the three went to the hospital. 

“That is Canada,” she stated in frustration. “We’re imagined to be a rustic that is inclusive and accepting of all various kinds of […] sexual orientations.” 

She stated they spoke to police on the hospital who later informed them that at the least one suspect is well-known to them, although police wouldn’t verify this element with CBC.

VIU providing help

A press release from VIU’s affiliate vice-president of pupil affairs, Irlanda Gonzalez Worth, says the varsity is taking the incident very severely and is working with the RCMP to research the “hate crime.”

“As of Sunday morning, VIU has been involved with the coed and household and are providing ongoing help,” the assertion reads, including that it is working with campus companions to “improve coaching and consciousness actions that assist construct allyship.”

McNeill stated Frey has acquired an incredible quantity of help on-line and from associates after photos of his accidents have been posted publicly on Instagram. 

Frey stated he is been the sufferer of different verbal assaults each on and off campus since he moved to Nanaimo final September. 

He stated he is now packed most of his possessions from his dorm room and doesn’t plan to attend VIU subsequent 12 months.