RCMP investigating alleged sexual assault on St. FX campus

The RCMP is investigating an alleged sexual assault on the St. Francis Xavier University campus in Antigonish, N.S.

Police say the complaint was reported to the RCMP at 4 p.m. Wednesday, and that the alleged incident took place this past weekend.

READ: St. Francis Xavier University publishes campus sexual violence policy

Two men were arrested Wednesday evening.

“One of them has since been released on conditions and the other individual remains in custody for the time being,” said RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Clarke.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "One of them has since been released on conditions and the other individual remains in custody for the time being," said RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Clarke.

Andrew Beckett, head of student services at St. FX, confirms the university received the report of the alleged sexual assault on Sunday.

He says the alleged incident took place in a residence and confirmed that the complainant, as well as the two men taken into police custody, are students.

Beckett says the school has a sexual violence policy, which dictates they work with victims to explain their options.

“Part of the process is to make sure they know of all channels of reporting the incident,” he said. “The victim (of this alleged incident) decided to report with us and the RCMP.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Part of the process is to make sure they know of all channels of reporting the incident," he said. "The victim (of this alleged incident) decided to report with us and the RCMP."

The school is now conducting its own investigation, which will take place “parallel” to the RCMP investigation.

READ: Halifax police investigating sexual assault at Mount Saint Vincent University campus

Any disciplinary action would be imposed through the student code of conduct.

“The key, from our standpoint, is we take these incidents extremely seriously. We don’t tolerate sexual violence in any way, shape or form,” Beckett said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The key, from our standpoint, is we take these incidents extremely seriously. We don't tolerate sexual violence in any way, shape or form," Beckett said.

“We have a policy we are following to make sure we carefully go through this and look after the interest of (the alleged victim) and ensure the matter is dealt with in a timely and responsible manner.”

Clarke says the RCMP is in the early stages of its investigation and will be able to release more information Friday.

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