We the undersigned members of the Ryerson University community urge the university to develop and implement a comprehensive and specific policy on sexual assault. While various aspects of university policy tangentially deal with sexual violence, given the seriousness of the issue, we believe the university should develop a single policy that is transparent and easily accessed by all members of the Ryerson community.
Studies reveal that victims on campuses where no sexual assault policies exist may be less likely to report incidences of violence and receive the institutional support they require. According to the Ontario Women’s Directorate, a government agency specializing in violence against women, a sexual assault policy constitutes an institution’s “formal expression that sexual violence will not be tolerated, victims will be supported and perpetrators will be held accountable.” Multiple and overlapping policies can create confusion and act as an impediment to justice. We ask then that the university develop a single policy that includes a comprehensive definition of sexual assault, that outlines the rights of complainants (i.e. timely, sensitive responses from the institution, access to trained staff, academic and other accommodations, safety plans, etc.), and which clearly articulates how the university will investigate and adjudicate complaints. We also ask that the committee charged with developing such a policy include representation from all campus constituencies, including: students, staff and faculty.
Finally, the development of a new policy should not take away from the important work the university is doing to raise awareness about sexual violence and engage the community in prevention efforts. Formal policies and response protocols are most effective when combined with public education and efforts to enhance the safety of the campus.
