SRIG 24-61: Navigating Online Hate: The Experiences of Indian International Students in Lower mainland BC, Canada

What was the issue being addressed?

This research project looked at how online hate affects Indian international students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. I interviewed ten Indian international students who shared their experiences with the increasing rise of online hate against Indian international students. It explored how racist comments and stereotypes on the internet affect students’ daily lives, including their mental health, academic experience, and social interactions. The goal of this project was to listen to these students' voices and share what needs to change in universities and communities so Indian international students can feel safer and more included. 

Provide a brief, lay description of the work undertaken/initiative.

For this project, I interviewed 10 Indian international students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University to learn about their experiences with online hate. Many students shared that they often see racist or hurtful comments online aimed at people like them. These experiences affect how the hate impacted their sense of belongingness and how welcome they feel in Canada. I studied these stories to better understand the emotional and social impact of online hate. The goal was to highlight the challenges they face and share ideas for making campuses like KPU more inclusive and supportive. 

What is the expected impact this project will have on the community?

The project has already started important conversations within the KPU community about inclusivity and institutional responsibility. Several faculty members have reached out to request my personal recommendations as a former Indian international student, as well as suggestions from my research participants, to integrate into their classroom practices. These discussions reflect a growing awareness that more needs to be done to support Indian international students beyond the surface-level celebration of multiculturalism. I hope the findings continue to inform course content, student support services, and institutional policies, helping to create learning environments where all students, regardless of background, can feel safe, heard, and valued.