The École Polytechnique Massacre

Overview

On December 6, 1989, a tragic and violent event unfolded at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada, when a gunman targeted female engineering students in a horrific act of gender-based violence. This event, often referred to as the Montreal Massacre, resulted in the deaths of 14 women and left a profound impact on Canadian society and the global conversation about violence against women.

The Event

• Date and Location: December 6, 1989, at the École Polytechnique, an engineering school affiliated with the University of Montreal.
• Perpetrator: The gunman, Marc Lépine, was a 25-year-old man who harbored deep-seated anti-feminist beliefs.
• Attack: Lépine entered the school armed with a semi-automatic rifle and a hunting knife. He separated male and female students in a classroom, declaring his hatred for feminists, and opened fire on the women. He then moved through the building, targeting more women before taking his own life.
• Casualties: 14 women were killed, and 10 additional women and 4 men were injured.

Victims

The victims were primarily female engineering students, and their deaths highlighted the gendered nature of the attack. The women who lost their lives were:

1. Geneviève Bergeron
2. Hélène Colgan
3. Nathalie Croteau
4. Barbara Daigneault
5. Anne-Marie Edward
6. Maud Haviernick
7. Maryse Laganière
8. Maryse Leclair
9. Anne-Marie Lemay
10. Sonia Pelletier
11. Michèle Richard
12. Annie St-Arneault
13. Annie Turcotte
14. Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

Context and Aftermath

• Motivation: Lépine’s actions were driven by a vehement opposition to feminism, which he blamed for his personal failures and societal changes he perceived as threatening.
• Impact on Society: The massacre shocked Canada and led to widespread mourning and reflection on issues of misogyny and violence against women. It sparked national debates about gun control, mental health, and the need for societal change to address gender-based violence.
• Legislative Changes: In response to the massacre, Canada implemented stricter gun control laws, including the establishment of the Firearms Act in 1995, which introduced measures such as background checks and firearm registration.
• Commemoration: December 6 is now observed as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, serving as a day to honor the victims and reflect on the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence.

Broader Historical Significance

The École Polytechnique massacre remains a pivotal moment in Canadian history, symbolizing the urgent need to address and prevent violence against women. It has influenced public policy, inspired activism, and continues to serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of unchecked misogyny and the importance of promoting gender equality and safety for all individuals.