University of Alberta's sexual assault report a good first step to ensure a safe campus for all students

News Staff - Mon Feb 08, 2016

Edmonton, AB – The University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) wholeheartedly supports the recommendations put forward by the the Sexual Misconduct Review group in its report on the University of Alberta’s response to sexual assault.

“It's incredibly important that students feel safe on campus, including when disclosing any cases of sexual assault to people in positions of authority and their peers,” said SU President Navneet Khinda. Currently, while there are many resources available for students who have been sexually assaulted, they are not centralized and navigating the many options for reporting an assault can be confusing.

If implemented, the Sexual Misconduct Review group’s recommendations would help create a unified and consistent support system for survivors of sexual assault, making resources easier to access while maintaining a fair and just investigative process.

“All universities need to do a better job of being compassionate in their response to a disclosure of sexual assault and I think this is a great step forward for the University of Alberta,” said Khinda. “The report has a focus on creating a culture of consent as well as ensuring that survivors or complainants have a variety of options available to them. Most importantly, the University recognizes the need to create a centralized support system on campus that brings together all the various units and people already in action.”

While the report is a positive first step, the University must continue to make sexual assault a priority and dedicate resources to creating the supports outlined in the recommendations. “I know that the Students' Union will work as a partner in establishing these changes on campus,” said Khinda.

The SU is the official body that represents the nearly 30,000 undergraduate students at the University of Alberta. It acts as a strong advocate for students both on campus and at all levels of government.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Alix Kemp
External Communications & Media Advisor
alix.kemp@su.ualberta.ca
780-492-4241

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