The provincial government has introduced legislation that will require public post-secondary institutions to establish sexual misconduct policies.
Schools will have one year once Bill 23 passes to establish the new policies.
This came after Premier Christy Clark vowed this March to protect students from sexual assault, backing Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver’s private member’s bill.
“As parents, we expect our sons and daughters will be safe,” said Clark. “And for students, university is often the first place they’re on their own. They have every right to feel safe on campus and today is a step in the right direction.”
Currently, public post-secondary institutions in B.C. do not need to have policies in place that address sexual violence or misconduct.
Nor are they required to have complaint response procedures in place or prevention initiatives.
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“The bill defines sexual misconduct to include a wide range of acts of a sexual nature, ranging from voyeurism to harassment and sexual assault,” said the government in a statement.
Once policies are in place, schools will require to review them, with student consultation, at least every three years or as directed by the minister.
Each year, the president of a public post-secondary institution must report to the board on the implementation of the policy.
Andrew Weaver said the weight of the law wends a clear signal that sexual violence against students will not be tolerated.
“It is welcome news that government has stood up along with post-secondary institutions to say enough is enough,” added Weaver.
Tracy Porteous with Ending Violence Association of B.C. said despite the growing number of sexual violence incidents on campuses, very few people know what to do when abuse takes place.
She said legislation will make campuses safer while giving a higher profile to the issue.
Some universities have already started consultations. An email sent to UBC students and staff on April 25 says the president of the university has appointed a Sexual Assault Panel to “lay the groundwork for a UBC-wide sexual assault action plan.”