Panel calls for major overhaul of UBC’s approach to sexual assaults
VANCOUVER — An expert panel is calling for a sweeping transformation of the University of British Columbia’s approach to sexual assaults, after speaking with survivors and campus members who said they lacked faith in the system.
The panel urges new disciplinary processes for students and faculty accused of sexual violence, clear timeframes for handling complaints and a central office to co-ordinate response, according to a report obtained by The Canadian Press.
Titled “Sexual Assault at the University of British Columbia: Prevention, Response and Accountability,” the report was submitted to the president’s office in June and is expected to be released this week.
“We heard that stakeholders want UBC leadership to step up, to be accountable and to show survivors and advocates that they have been listened to,” the report says.