SAULT STE. MARIE -- The Algoma University student union is commending the support from the community, after Black Lives Matter signs it put on the school lawn were set on Fire.
Student Union President Yahaya Alphonse says the signs were lit up at around 1 a.m. Monday, leaving all but three untouched.
"It's disheartening to see, honestly and just goes to show how much more work is needed here in the community," he said.
"I can't speculate if this was just an act of vandalism or a hate crime of sorts, but we will continue to do our part to educate peacefully."
Alphonse says the student union has been receiving tons of support, after word spread that most of the signs were destroyed.
"Thank God for that, people like the Mayor, Organizations like ACCANO for being here for us during a difficult time," he added.
The mayor of Sault Ste. Marie put out a tweet Wednesday, condemning the act.
"I want to be perfectly clear, racism exists in Canada and in Sault Ste. Marie, there's no doubt about that," said Christian Provenzano in an interview with CTV News.
"So when we see things like this, we need to acknowledge it, raise awareness and make sure we're sticking up for those who've done tremendous work throughout this community in furthering this issue along."
According to Alphonse, the student union has notified the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
