'We let our students and families down': Western unveils sexual violence plan on eve of walk out
Fed up with sexual violence on and around Western University’s London, Ont. campus, students will push for change on Friday.
Students will stage a walk out before engaging in a march around campus to express support for survivors of sexual violence.
“We now have a channel to express how we feel regarding the incidents that happened this past weekend,” explains co-organizer Emily Poirier. “A lot of people hope this will bring about tangible change.”
London police are investigating allegations of up to 30 drug-related sexual assaults in a residence last weekend.
Unrelated, police have confirmed they were already investigating three complaints of sexual violence since the start of the semester.
“People are still very much afraid and on edge,” adds Poirier.
Less than a day before the walk out, Western administration unveiled a new Action Plan on Sexual Violence, including:
- all 5,300 students living in residences will be required to take in-person training on sexual violence, consent, and personal safety starting September 20.
- hiring up to 100 students to act as safety ambassadors in residences
- hiring four new special constables to enhance patrols until 3am.
- create a Task Force to address campus culture.
“We let our students and families down,” admits western President Alan Shepard.
Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities has also announced regulatory amendments for post secondary institutions in the province that update their sexual violence policies to include:
- Victims reporting in good faith will no longer risk punishment for violating alcohol/drug policies at the time the sexual violence occurred.
- Students reporting sexual violence will no longer be asked irrelevant questions involving their sexual history or sexual expression.
“These were recommendations that came forward to the government through ongoing consultations we’ve been having with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance,” explains Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop.
Poirier hopes that the walk out’s impact extends beyond Western’s campus.
“Make this not just a Western University change, but a change for all universities in Ontario, and hopefully it spreads to other places in Canada and North America.”
The walk out begins at noon with a gathering on University College hill.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near a major airbase at the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.