Dear Students, Staff and Faculty of Brock University,
On Friday I wrote to all of you in the midst of media coverage of a sexual harassment case that has been investigated by Brock, and about which Brock has taken action. I received numerous responses to my note, and I sincerely appreciate all of you who took time to share your thoughts, opinions and suggestions.
In light of this open discussion of an important issue, I am writing now to reach out to anyone who may have experienced harassment, sexual or otherwise, but has chosen to not come forward to report such an incident. The University and I want you to do so. In our commitment to having a safe, welcoming and supportive environment, we must all be committed to confronting and dealing with every incident or issue.
Any student, faculty or staff member wishing to have an incident investigated can, in confidence, contact Campus Security, the Brock Sexual Violence Support Centre or the Office of Human Rights and Equity. Or if they feel it is a matter for criminal investigation, they can go to the Niagara Regional Police. Likewise, if the University feels it is a matter for the criminal justice system, we will direct it to the police, as long as the complainant is comfortable with us doing so.
Contact information for all of these options is provided below.
I personally assure you that each case brought forward will be investigated in accordance with University policy and procedures, or, in complaints against unionized employees, in accordance with the employees’ collective agreements with the University.
In recent days, much has been said about Brock’s privacy and confidentiality obligations. The truth is that the University is legally bound by these obligations, and they are there for both the complainant and the accused. These obligations have nothing to do with motives of secrecy.
Again, if anyone has been reluctant to report an incident of harassment, I hope you decide to come forward and report. We will respond to and deal with any incident that is brought to our attention.
Yours,
Jack Lightstone
President and Vice-Chancellor
Contact information:
Brock Campus Security — 905 688-550 ext 4300 (after hours, ext 3200)
Brock Sexual Violence Support Centre — text line 289 990-7233 or Support@ASaferBrock.org
Brock Human Rights and Equity— 905-688-5550 ext 4859 or humanrights@brocku.ca
Niagara Regional Police — 905 688-4111
