Victoria Silman | Assistant News Editor
Featured Image: The committee will be chaired by University Secretary and General Counsel Maureen Armstrong. | James Jiraphanumes
York is on the hunt for members with experience, and interest in sexual violence issues for a new Sexual Violence Policy Advisory Committee.
The deadline for applications was October 31; however, this has since been extended to November 9 for two faculty members and non-academic staff members, all of which will hold their position for two years. The committee is also made up of student groups, and members of the administration, and is chaired by University Secretary and General Counsel, Maureen Armstrong.
According to Armstrong: “In terms of student groups, invitations have been extended to the following: the Aboriginal Students’ Association at York, the Access Centre, the Centre for Women & Trans People, Glendon College Students Union, Graduate Students’ Association, Osgoode Survivors’ Network, Sexual Assault Survivors’ Support Line & Leadership, Silence is Violence, Trans Bisexual Lesbian Gay Asexual at York, United South Asians at York, YFS, and York United Black Students’ Alliance.”
Formed by Provost and Vice-President Academic (VPAP) Lisa Philipps, and Vice-President Finance and Administration (VPFA) Carol McAuley, the committee is intended to provide advice and recommendations regarding sexual violence on campus, and, “will assist with identifying best practices and emerging issues in sexual violence response, support, and education,” says Armstrong.
The committee intends to address issues regarding sexual violence, and provide advice to the VPAP and the VPFA “with respect to York’s efforts to prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and address reports of sexual violence,” she adds.
“The University’s new Sexual Violence Policy was approved in December 2016, and must be reviewed at least every three years. The Committee will gather feedback on the success of ongoing implementation efforts, as well as assist in the more formal review.”
Armstrong expresses the importance of community engagement in policy-making, with 35 consultations taking place across campus with community groups, staff, students, and faculty. An additional three public consultations also took place, which “set the foundation for establishing our policy.
“The Sexual Violence Policy is an important one for all community members. As the implementation of the Policy and a wide variety of education, supports and services are rolled out, we believe ongoing input from the community is key to ensuring we continue to foster a culture where attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate sexual violence are rejected, survivors are supported, and those who commit incidents of sexual violence are held accountable,” Armstrong continues.
Members have yet to be chosen; however, questions and applications are asked to be directed to the committee’s email, which is available online.
