Board approves updated sexual violence policy
December 8, 2016
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Ann Tierney (Co-Chair), Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs
Barbara Lotan (Co-Chair), Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator
Meredith Chivers, Associate Professor and Director of Sexuality and Gender Laboratory, Department of Psychology
Jennifer Dods, Director, Student Wellness Centre
Nadia Sawaya Fehr, Outreach Counsellor, Residence Life
Corinna Fitzgerald, Assistant Dean Student Life and Learning
Claire Gummo, Student-at-Large
Rachel Hayton, Director, Sexual Health Resource Centre
Kate Humphrys, Manager, Health Promotion, Student Wellness Services
Lea Keren, Social Issues Commissioner, Alma Mater Society
Nadia Mahdi, Levana Gender Advocacy Centre
Kate Murray, Director, Residence Life
Lisa Newton, University Counsel
Harry Smith, University Ombudsman
Carolyn Thompson, Vice-President University Affairs, Alma Mater Society
Jenny Williams, Society of Graduate and Professional Students
Lauren Winkler, Indigenous Affairs Commissioner, Alma Mater Society
Margot Coulter, Sexual Harassment and Prevention Coordinator, Human Rights Office
Tahseen Chowdry, Equity and Diversity Commissioner, Society of Graduate and Professional Students
At its Dec. 2 meeting, Queen’s Board of Trustees approved the Policy on Sexual Violence Involving Queen's University Students. The policy – which outlines the options that are available to students affected by sexual violence and the university’s responsibilities relating to awareness, education, training, disclosure and reporting – was recently revised to align with provincial legislation.
“Over the past year, the Queen’s community has worked diligently to enhance campus resources to address and respond to sexual violence,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “This policy is a crucial step in that process, and one that will benefit the entire Queen’s community.”
The development of both the original and updated policies involved extensive consultation with campus and community stakeholders including students, staff, faculty, and subject matter experts.
“I want to acknowledge and thank the many individuals and groups who invested time and effort into ensuring Queen’s has a comprehensive policy on sexual violence,” says Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “This was very much a collaborative effort led by the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Working Group.”
The updated policy includes details about the policies and procedures to be followed in a variety of situations, and outlines the distinction between disclosure and reporting, confidentiality requirements, and the assessment and investigation process, meeting the content requirements set out in Bill 132 and Regulation 131/16.
Barb Lotan is the university’s inaugural sexual violence prevention and response coordinator, working out of a dedicated office established within the Human Rights and Equity Office.
“The approval of the revised policy is an important milestone; however, the work is not yet done,” says Ms. Lotan. “Campus-wide sharing of information about the policy and the resources available for students is critical as is the continuation of training and education related to sexual violence prevention.”
Recognizing that the issue of sexual violence on university campuses is constantly evolving, the university will revisit the policy and its associated resources as appropriate and at least every three years.
For more information about on- and off-campus support and resources related to sexual violence, visit the Student Affairs website.