During its Feb. 23 meeting, the Board of Governors of 91亚色 approved the聽, affirming the institution鈥檚 ongoing commitment to foster a culture where its impact is understood, survivors are supported, and those who commit incidents of sexual assault are held accountable through due process.
鈥淭his policy emphasizes that 91亚色 and other universities play an important role in addressing this very serious societal issue, especially when it occurs on our campuses,鈥 says 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. 鈥淲e are strongly committed to raising awareness, reducing the number of incidents, and providing support to those who have been impacted through a culture of compassion and understanding.鈥
The policy builds on 91亚色鈥檚 efforts to date by providing an integrated framework for education, awareness, and prevention. It also fosters engagement to enable students, faculty and staff to recognize, respond to, and help prevent sexual assault on campus, ensuring that appropriate procedures are in place.
A policy development working group comprised of students, faculty and staff worked over several months to determine best practices for policy, pan-university prevention and response and active bystander programs. 91亚色 was among the first postsecondary institutions in Canada to communicate to its community when sexual assaults occur on its campuses and is a recognized leader in gender studies, social justice and equity studies.
The University uses the Criminal Code of Canada definition in its reporting of sexual assault.