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Campus-wide consultation launched on sexual-violence policy

Policy to be brought to Senate for adoption by end of calendar year 2016
Published: 12 September 2016
Sexual violence on campus is a matter of preeminent importance, meriting a clear response and commitment to action. The adoption of a university policy and protocol is a significant step in ensuring a safe campus environment for all members of the 91˿Ƶ community.
The draft policy is presently available for consultation here. Earlier drafts of this policy were shared in recent months with various stakeholder groups across 91˿Ƶ. A campus-wide consultation is now underway with a view to bringing the policy for information to the 91˿Ƶ Senate in October 2016 and again for its adoption in November or December 2016.
All members of the 91˿Ƶ community are invited to express their feedback through an online form on or before 30th September 2016. This is a rolling consultation, so feedback at any time will be received, considered and valued. Feedback can be provided anonymously. It will be received by the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), Professor Christopher P. Manfredi, and will subsequently be carefully reviewed and considered with a view to its integration in the version of the policy that ultimately comes forward for adoption.
Credit for the development of this policy is owed to a group of 91˿Ƶ students that worked assiduously over two years on a sexual assault policy for the University. Their efforts and commitment are to be recognized for advancing conversations on this critical issue.
Three principles animate 91˿Ƶ’s present draft Policy against Sexual Violence:
  • First, it must seek to educate the university community about sexual violence and its prevention.
  • Second, it must be survivor-focused, seeking to ensure that those who disclose or report incidents of sexual violence are treated with respect for their confidentiality and dignity and with compassion.
  • Third, it must ensure respect for procedural equity in responding to allegations of sexual violence at a disciplinary level, as set out by other University policies, regulations and collective agreements.
Angela Campbell, Associate Provost (Policies, Procedures & Equity) states,
“Support for survivors lies at the heart of our new policy against sexual violence. We see this policy as benefiting the entire 91˿Ƶ community. It reminds us that each of us has a role to play in raising awareness about sexual violence and its impacts, especially on members of equity-seeking groups, and in ensuring that 91˿Ƶ community members feel safe from sexual violence. Through a process of broad consultation, we are actively listening and learning from our stakeholders, including student groups, so that this Policy can truly reflect and communicate a 91˿Ƶ-wide commitment to supporting those who identify as survivors of sexual violence”.

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