Ontario tells post-secondary schools to update sexual violence policies as Western students plan walkout

Ontario is demanding that colleges and universities update their sexual violence policies to make it easier for survivors to come forward, as Western students plan a walkout to protest "the prevalent threat of rape culture on campus and connected underlying issues" at the London university. 

The government has given post-secondary schools until March 2022 to update their policies with provisions that ensure those reporting sexual violence aren't asked "irrelevant" questions about their sexual history, and so students who do report don't get in trouble if they've violated the school's alcohol or drug policies. 

The president of Western University, where four sexual assaults were reported last week to police and multiple others have been talked about on social media, said he welcomes the announcement from the minister of colleges and universities. 

"Sexual violence and assault on university campuses is unacceptable and protecting complainants is critical to addressing these issues. Western has a strong policy in place that is in line with the requirements set out by the government today," president Alan Shepard said in a statement. 

"Western is focused on addressing the culture of sexual violence on campus and will be sharing more information on further changes we are making to ensure our campus is a safe place for all students and our entire community."

A student walkout is planned for Friday, to show support for survivors of sexual violence, address "the prevalent threat of rape culture on campus and connected underlying issues such as misogyny and queerphobia," and demand better resources for student leaders, according to organizers of the protest. 

Western's sexual violence policy, revamped in the past few years, is progressive and survivor-centred, said Annalise Trudell, a spokesperson for Anova, the London, Ont., agency that helps those dealing with gender-based violence.