A revised Policy on Sexual Violence Involving Queen’s University Students, which was previously updated last year, has now been posted for public review and comment; feedback will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2020.

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Task Force – which includes students, staff, faculty, and Sexual Assault Center Kingston representatives – developed recommendations for amendments to the policy in May 2019. Additional feedback was subsequently received from some employees and students regarding a new disclosure notification process. That notification aspect was partially suspended pending additional consultation, but the balance of the policy remained in force.

Amendments to the policy were proposed and were to be posted in March 2020 for broader community consultation. Due to the rapid escalation of issues related to COVID-19, the consultation process was deferred to ensure all faculty, staff, and students had the time needed to reflect on the policy and provide feedback. In consultation with members of the task force, including student representatives, the current consultation period was selected.

The task force has outlined further proposed amendments to the policy, the rationale and the various options considered.

In the fall, the policy will be reviewed again by senior administration, and finalized by the Board of Trustees in December 2020.

Queen's University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, living and working environment in which sexual violence is not tolerated. This policy reflects the university's commitment to addressing sexual violence issues faced by students in all forms.

To view the task force’s memo, proposed amendments, and to submit feedback, please visit the Provost's website.