TRU is well on its way to meet the criteria set out by new legislation introduced Wednesday by the provincial government that aims to make campuses safer and more responsive to the needs of survivors.
Although public post-secondary institutions in the province are currently not required to have policies that address sexual violence or misconduct, TRU started working with a broad cross-section of its community on a sexual assault response protocol last summer.
“Sexual assault and other acts of sexual violence are not tolerated on our campuses,” said Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor. “This legislation will not only support the work that has already been undertaken, it sends a strong message throughout the province that this is an issue that all universities must stand against together.”
The Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act will require public post-secondary institutions to establish sexual misconduct policies within one year of the bill receiving Royal Assent.
“We have been working diligently on campus and with community partners on programs, policies and resources to ensure that our campus remains free from sexual violence and that our community has the education and supports it needs to maintain an environment free of discrimination and harassment,” said Dean of Students, Christine Adam. “In addition to the policy, we are working on ways to foster healthy attitudes and behaviours towards sexuality, sex and gender roles.”
The document Guidelines and Principles for Developing Policies and Actions to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Violence at BC Public Post-Secondary Institutions is expected to be available to all post-secondary institutions in the coming months and will help inform the finalization of TRU’s policy.
Bill 23, Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act, will require every public university, college and institute in the province to develop a sexual misconduct policy. The bill defines sexual misconduct to include a wide range of acts, ranging from voyeurism to sexual harassment and sexual assault.
The bill fulfills a commitment made by Premier Clark who said that government would work promptly with Oak Bay Gordon Head MLA Andrew Weaver to pass legislation as soon as possible.
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Media Contact:
Christine Adam
Dean of Students
250-371-5860
cadam@tru.ca
