Brock University says it ‘condemns’ comments made online by one of its former professors regarding the removal of a Sir John A. MacDonald statue in Victoria, B.C.

Officials issued a statement on Friday saying the university “condemns the inflammatory statements that have appeared on a personal social media account under the name of a former professor who retired from the University in 2012.”

The Twitter account, under the name of former political science professor Garth Stevenson, include vulgar statements about Canada’s Indigenous People.

Brock President Gervan Fearon said the university is appalled by the post. “Brock remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing an inclusive and respectful work and learning environment, and calls upon all members of the campus community to respectfully engage each other with kindness and humility,” said Fearon.

The university says Stevenson is no longer employed by Brock and they are taking steps to remove his status of professor emeritus.

Paul Hamilton, Chair of the Department of Political Science also issued a statement on the university’s website stating, “The Department of Political Science is shocked and appalled by the racist social media comments posted by retired professor Garth Stevenson. The comments do not in any way conform to the values of the department, and we condemn them Our department strives to create an atmosphere of respect and inclusion for students and faculty. We understand that President Gervan Fearon and the Senate will soon be discussing the withdrawal of Garth Stevenson’s emeritus status. The department supports this plan.”

Hamilton says the department plans to host a public forum in the fall that will address “reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”