Dear staff, faculty and students,

In light of today’s media attention regarding a complaint of sexual harassment at Brock University, I wanted to ensure that you hear from me directly.

Brock takes the issue of sexual harassment very seriously. 

We regret the emotional trauma this incident has caused to the complainant. It is important you all know that Brock staff were supportive and responsive as soon as they learned of the complaint.

Brock has confidentiality measures as a result of a variety of legal obligations to both complainants and respondents in cases like these. If any complainant ever wishes to discuss their experience, they are free to do so, even though the University is bound by its confidentiality measures. We regret if we led the complainant to believe otherwise.

Due to privacy and human rights legislation, Brock cannot disclose the exact terms of the actions taken, but I can tell you that the employee involved in this situation is not teaching any classes and is not on campus.

A sexual violence prevention committee of faculty, staff and students was created last September and is working to develop a new stand-alone policy dealing with sexual violence awareness, prevention and responses. This project will give Brock an updated process that conforms with the guidance set out in Bill 132, Ontario’s new sexual violence and harassment and violence legislation.

Again, Brock takes the issue of sexual harassment very seriously and I encourage any staff, faculty or students who may experience sexual harassment to report it to the Niagara Regional Police or to Brock Campus Security.

If you have any questions or information regarding this incident, please email me directly at president@brocku.ca.

For more information, read Brock’s official statement on our website.

At Brock we remain committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all of our staff, faculty and students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack Lightstone

President and Vice Chancellor