Students’ union concerned by alleged trespassing at University of Saskatchewan

An alert was sent out to University of Saskatchewan students on Wednesday after Travis Patron was reportedly seen on campus.

Patron – the former leader of the Canadian Nationalist Party who has been convicted of wilfully promoting hate, assault and mischief over the past two years – was allegedly trespassing on the campus and impersonating university staff.

“The idea of a formerly charged person being present on our campus will be a cause of concern,” said Ishita Mann, president of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union.

Mann noted that anyone can access the campus, so it’s important for the community to keep an eye out for suspicious activity at all times.

The university has a number of safety measures already in place, including well-lit paths, safety escorts, emergency phone lines and a safety team.

“It is important for us – whether it be students, faculty, staff – to always practise vigilance and caution as you would in any other public area,” said Mann. “This doesn’t necessarily mean you live in fear, but rather just being aware of your surroundings and always looking out for one another.”

She highlighted the importance of being careful when staying on campus at odd hours to study, or when walking alone to a car or bus after leaving campus.

Mann said she’s grateful for how swiftly the university sent out the alert to warn the campus community about Patron. Moving forward, she said she hopes people will take caution and look out for one another as a university.

“If it looks or if it feels unsafe, chances are it most likely is,” Mann said.

Mann said the union’s walking service is a free way to stay safe when going through the campus at night.

The program runs Sundays through Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Outside of those hours, Campus Protective Services also provides a walking service.

Mann said she’s hopeful for the future of campus safety if people take action as quickly as they did with Patron.

“I would only encourage members of our community to do their part and report,” said Mann.