Ontario announces supports for students reporting sexual violence as schools investigate allegations, threats
As Western University continues to investigate online allegations of sexual assaults at a first-year residence, the Ontario government has announced new supports for students who report sexual violence.
The government says that new regulatory amendments are aimed at creating a safer environment for students attending colleges, universities, and private career colleges.
The amendments will require schools to update their sexual violence and harassment policies to help shield students from irrelevant questions during sexual violence investigations.
The aim is to help students feel safe and ensure that they can bring forward reports without fear of disciplinary action.
At Western University in London, Ont. students are planning to walk out of class on Friday over unconfirmed reports of up to 30 alleged drug-related sexual assaults at a first-year residence.
Several sexual assault survivors are expected to speak during the walkout as students leave their classes at noon on Friday.
"Some of the things we are asking for is mandatory training...for all students, faculty and staff that walk this campus," graduate student Danica Facca said in an interview with CTV News on Wednesday.
Meanwhile as Western continues to look into the online claims, Fanshawe College is reporting that they are investigating online threats related to sexual violence directed towards students.
The Ontario government has given schools until March 31, 2022 to implement the amendments.
“Our number one priority is the safety of students – everyone should be able to pursue their studies on or off campus without worrying about sexual violence or harassment,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities in a release.
Schools are expected to make the following changes to their policies:
- A complainant acting in good faith, who discloses or reports sexual violence, will not be subject to actions for violations of the institution’s policies related to drug and alcohol use at the time the sexual violence took place
- During the institution’s investigative process, students who share their experience of sexual violence through disclosing, accessing support, and/or reporting to the university or college, will not be asked irrelevant questions from institution’s staff or investigators, such as those relating to past sexual history or sexual expression.
Schools are also required to report annually to its board of governors on measures related to the experiences of, and support for, students who have experienced sexual violence.
Post-secondary institutions will be required to review their sexual violence policies every three years.
In response to the policy change, Western University tweeted, "We welcome today’s announcement from the Minister of Colleges and Universities requiring changes to postsecondary institutions’ sexual violence policies."
The university said it is focused on addressing sexual violence and will be making changes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Hailey and Justin Bieber are expecting their first child
Hailey Rhode Bieber, Canadian musician Justin Bieber's wife, announced her pregnancy on social media on Thursday. Hailey posted a series of photos showing her baby bump alongside husband Justin.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street