Sign on off-campus property perpetuated rape culture: St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, N.S. — St. Francis Xavier University and Acadia University have condemned a sign that was displayed at an off-campus property in Antigonish over the weekend, alleging it perpetuated rape culture. Tara Taylor, a professor at St. Francis Xavier University, shared a photo of the sign on social media on Friday, stating it read, “Drop-off zone: Acadia girlfriends.”

The sign was present during the university’s annual homecoming celebrations. According to Taylor, the sign was removed on Saturday morning, but it reappeared that evening.

St. F.X. President Andrew Hakin released a statement, confirming the sign was taken down again, expressing deep concern over its message, which he deemed "degrading." Meanwhile, Acadia University in Wolfville issued a statement on Sunday, asserting the sign encouraged sexual violence among its students. Taylor described her reaction to seeing the sign as "incredibly tone-deaf" in a Monday interview. The Canadian Press reported this story, originally published on October 5, 2026.