A letter to the Brock community from Jack Lightstone

I am writing to provide the latest update on how the University is reviewing its policies and procedures in dealing with sexual harassment, sexual violence and unprofessional behaviour.

Earlier today, news media reported on how Brock has allegedly dealt with a reported case of sexual harassment on campus. It is important to reiterate that we acknowledge our processes and responses can be improved, and we have put plans in place to do so. However, let me be clear: Brock University never offers compensation to people in exchange for them agreeing to a particular investigative process.

As we continue moving forward, a key step is creating the Human Rights Task Force of students, faculty and staff. As reported last week, terms of reference have now been finalized for the task force.

We are receiving offers of participation from a wide variety of individuals, and we are starting the process of identifying possible task force members, in consultation with faculty, staff and student representatives. We hope to have the task force assembled in the next two to three weeks, so it can hold its first meeting in May.

The task force will incorporate recommendations generated by the already-established Sexual Violence Prevention Committee. Chaired by Vice-Provost Anna Lathrop, that committee has been working to develop a survivor-led sexual violence prevention policy, as well as implementing new resources and training for sexual violence prevention across campus.

The committee is pursuing frank and open discussions about these issues, and last week committee members participated in a student-led forum that included student panels from a diversity of perspectives. More than 60 members of the Brock community were present, including students, faculty, staff and senior administration.

Throughout the spring and summer the committee will continue meeting and consulting with the Brock community as new policy is drafted, a new sexual violence response coordinator is hired, and new educational principles and initiatives on sexual and gender based violence are integrated into the University’s orientation activities in the Fall.

I will write again with further updates, and in the meantime I invite anyone in the Brock community to send me comments or suggestions at president@brocku.ca

Sincerely,

Jack Lightstone
President and Vice-Chancellor