Katie Keays, Manager, Gender and Sexual Violence Intake in the Office of Human Rights and Equity, installs lawn signs that share messages about healthy relationships ahead of Consent Week, which runs from Monday, Sept. 16 to Thursday, Sept. 19.As Brock students settle into their classes, they can also participate in a week of events promoting enhanced education around consent, sexual violence prevention and building healthy relationships.
Organized by the Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (HRE) Gender and Sexual Violence team, Consent Week programming will take place on campus from Monday, Sept. 16 to Thursday, Sept. 19.
Held annually at colleges and universities across Canada during the third week of September, Consent Week coincides with the Red Zone, which refers to the first six to eight weeks of the academic year when students at various institutions are at the highest risk of experiencing sexual violence on a campus.
Katie Keays, HRE’s Manager of Gender and Sexual Violence Intake, says programming also intentionally coincides with orientation events during the return to classes and a time when students are adjusting to new social environments, living arrangements and newfound independence.
“As we kick off Consent Week, we aim to create a space where every member of our campus feels empowered to engage in conversations about respect, boundaries and accountability,” she said. “Consent isn’t just about sexual relationships — it’s a vital part of fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”
Tabling events will take place Monday, Sept. 16 and Thursday, Sept. 19 by the Thistle Chalkboard and in the MCA hallway, respectively, where students can ask questions, access resources and play a consent-themed game. Monday’s event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursday’s runs from noon to 2 p.m.
An interactive lunch-and-learn session about creating a culture of consent on campus is happening Tuesday, Sept. 17 in TH 255 from noon to 1 p.m.
Students can also participate in a relaxed afternoon of crafts and games as well as engage in conversations about consent in a safe space during the “Crafternoon” on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in Pond Inlet from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
All events are free and open to all Brock students, but advanced registration for some activities may be required. More information is available on ExperienceBU.
Participating students can also enter a draw at each event to win one of three $50 Amazon gift cards.
