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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.