Policy Update
Campus community invited to comment on proposed updates to Sexual Violence Policy
October 19, 2023
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Students, faculty, and staff are invited to review and comment on proposed updates to the university’s Policy on Sexual Violence Involving Queen's University Students.
The draft revisions have been developed further to recommendations received from external consultants, as part of a regular, scheduled policy review last year.
The review reflects Queen’s ongoing commitment to addressing sexualized violence, and was initiated to ensure the university is providing the most effective and trauma-informed response to formal complaints, in alignment with evolving best practices for addressing sexual violence complaints within the post-secondary sector.
The policy updates include:
- Moving to a less complicated complaint process, removing duplication, and implementing an investigation model, which eliminates the more complex hearing process
- Providing students who make a complaint with a right to appeal
- Introducing dedicated support for Respondents (academics, personal, process) to be accessed through the Office of the University Ombudsperson
- Introducing the opportunity to use limited measures earlier in the process (pre-complaint)
- Integrating the employee sexual misconduct policy (Bill 26)
They were developed in consultation with several campus partners, including students. Campus community members can submit feedback anonymously until November 8.
The review has also led to changes to processes and supports to students involved in formal complaint processes, including:
- Reviewing, simplifying and adjusting language in formal complaint forms and documentation
- Revising the detail required in initial written complaints
- Ensuring we are regularly communicating with students about the status of their case
- Reviewing how Queen’s collects and publishes information about disclosures and complaints
The university’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Task Force, comprising students, faculty, staff, and the Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, continues to lead the coordination of the university’s efforts to address sexualized violence in our community through an annual Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework.
The revised policy is scheduled to be brought to the Board of Trustees for approval in December.
