Over the past week I have received much feedback from people all around campus regarding the University’s handling of a complaint brought by a former student against a Brock employee. I have had conversations about this matter, met with organizers of a student protest held earlier this week, taken note of open letters from more than 70 faculty members and from OSSTF, and have received many emails.

I appreciate the time that people have taken to express their concerns, and I am writing to tell you that the University will be taking steps to review and update the procedures that Brock follows when it deals with matters of sexual harassment and violence. I have heard from students, faculty and staff who have asked for a comprehensive, survivor-led strategy.

In the coming days we will be preparing to create a presidential task force to look at all of our relevant policies and procedures that deal with incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence and unprofessional behaviour, whether these incidents involve students or employees. The task force will be comprised of students, staff, faculty and possibly members of the external community, and its work will incorporate recommendations that come from the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee that is being chaired by Vice-Provost Anna Lathrop. 

Details of the mandate, composition and reporting timelines for the new task force will be completed and communicated before the end of April, but part of its mission will be to review and harmonize all of Brock’s existing policies, protocols and procedures so they function together effectively and coherently. As well, where collective agreement matters come into play, this task force will be asked to identify issues of harmonization between any new policies and the University’s various collective agreements.

I am also announcing that Brock University will hire a new sexual violence response coordinator. This individual will work in concert with the Human Rights and Equity Officer, and thereby provide a central point of contact for all complaints about sexual violence and harassment. This role will include handling complaints and providing education and support to all members of the Brock community. 

The University will also immediately review and enhance trauma counselling services as needed for all those who are victims of sexual harassment or assault.

In the coming weeks the Brock community will receive updates on both of these initiatives.

Sincerely,

Jack Lightstone,

President and Vice-Chancellor