Almost 1,000 students from McGill University and Concordia University walked out of class Wednesday to send a united message about sexual harassment on campus.
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“We’re here to learn, we’re not here to face harassment or violence,” said McGill student Daneese Rao.
“No one should be deterred from taking a class because they are scared about their safety or worried about their safety.”
Earlier this year, Concordia launched an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct in the school’s creative writing program.
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Following this, two professors had their courses reassigned.
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Recently, McGill students said sexual misconduct allegations had come to light at their university, too.
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“On Wednesday of last week, the Student’s Society of McGill University sent a letter to the McGill administration about how complaints against professors are being handled,” said Connor Spencer, from McGill Students’ Society External Affairs.
The students said they didn’t receive an adequate response from the university and that’s why they decided to organize a walkout.
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“It is an issue at McGill and we have to talk about it.”
Students from both universities insist they want officials to acknowledge that sexual misconduct exists.
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They also stress that they want to be included in the way these issues are handled.
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“We’re really asking for the university to step up and sit down with us and engage the way we see it fit,” said Asma Mushtaq, from the Concordia Student Union.
In a statement to Global News, Concordia University said it takes allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and students have an important role to play in improving how these incidences are handled, so feedback is welcomed.
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McGill University declined Global News’ request for comment.