University invites comment on policy on sexual misconduct

The University of Windsor has released a draft Policy on Sexual Misconduct and is inviting the campus community to review it and share any comments and thoughts.

In a message to students, faculty and staff, president Alan Wildeman said the University of Windsor is “committed to doing all it can to provide a safe environment within which to study, work, and pursue social and personal interests.”

He acknowledged the University has had policies and bylaws articulating objectives regarding a safe environment, and that have included in their scope all forms of academic and non-academic misconduct, workplace harassment and human rights violations.

“Nevertheless, we are all aware that within the spectrum of behaviours that are in violation of the University’s and society’s values, sexual assault stands out as one type of violation of personal safety and well-being that is under-reported, often insidiously disguised by alcohol or other agents, and exacerbated by deeply personal feelings within the hearts of those who have experienced sexual violence,” Dr. Wildeman said. “For this reason, the University of Windsor has now drafted a stand-alone Policy on Sexual Misconduct.”

Any feedback can be sent to sexualassault@uwindsor.ca by January 29.

If there is a great level of response and interest, an open campus meeting will be scheduled before February 12, where legal counsel will also be present, to discuss the draft policy and respond to questions. The goal is to have the draft in final form by the end of February.