Durham College finalizes stand-alone policy on sexual assault and sexual violence Posted on March 31, 2015 at 11:11 am. (Oshawa, Ont. March 31, 2015) – Durham College (DC) has finalized its stand-alone policy and procedure on sexual assault and sexual violence and it is now publicly available on the college’s website. “This is an important step to take for Durham College, alongside the other colleges across Ontario,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “It’s essential that everyone knows their rights and responsibilities and that the security of our campus continues to be a priority.” Presidents at Ontario’s 24 publicly funded colleges voted unanimously in November to create a stand-alone policy and procedure that would be available at all colleges by March 31. Draft versions were publicly released in January and there have been consultations throughout the province to finalize the documents. Building on DC’s existing policies and procedures, the stand-alone policy and procedure provide precise definitions of sexual assault and sexual violence, set clear standards for reporting and responding to incidents of sexual violence, and establish clear processes for complaints and investigations. The policy also includes measures to ensure that people who make complaints are protected from reprisals, retaliation or threats. As well, it includes provisions to ensure that confidentiality is strictly observed. Individual colleges and Colleges Ontario (the advocacy organization for the province’s 24 colleges) have consulted with students and college staff throughout Ontario. There have also been consultations with legal experts, the Ontario Women’s Directorate, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, government officials and others, including DC’s Director of Campus Safety, Tom Lynch, who sat on the provincial advisory committee. The colleges’ policies and procedures support the action plan on sexual violence announced by Premier Kathleen Wynne on March 6. Work will continue to ensure the initiatives at each college fulfil the expectations and requirements of the premier’s action plan. Ontario’s colleges are currently working on next steps, including new education and training at the colleges and the development of new awareness and prevention initiatives. “We are grateful to our students and staff who have worked diligently to finalize our new policy and procedure,” said Meri Kim Oliver, vice-president, Student Affairs. “It’s essential that we continue working together to raise awareness about sexual violence and the role we can all play in preventing it.” DC’s policy and procedure can be found on its Sexual Violence and Awareness page, along with a video and infographic to provide additional resources to students, staff and faculty. -30- About Durham College At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2014, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus was completed in 2013 when the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food opened on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, the CFF features Bistro ’67, a new, 70-seat, full-service, green-certified teaching-inspired restaurant and Pantry, a retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary programs. For more information, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. For more information: Krista Luxton Durham College T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 E: krista.luxton@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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