September 5, 2018
Winnipeg, MB – In light of the recent events showcasing the prevalence of sexual violence on the University of Manitoba (UofM) campuses, it is clear that the University Administration has failed to fulfill their responsibility to provide a safe campus for students.
Moving forward, we, The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), endorse the University’s commitment to mandatory consent training for faculty, administration, and staff. UMSU has consistently advocated for this action to be taken and we look forward to working with the University on the implementation of these measures.
In addition, UMSU calls on the Administration to take the following actions:
- Open a dedicated sexual violence support and prevention centre accessible to all students; and
- Craft a sexual violence policy that continues to engage all important stakeholders, including the student body, and entrenches an intersectional, survivor-centric approach in processes and provisions with regards to sexual violence.
UMSU stands with survivors during this trying time. While we appreciate the Administration’s acknowledgement of their past mistakes, we call for immediate steps to be taken not only to prevent future incidents of this nature, but also to be better prepared if and when they arise.
UMSU will continue to work in partnership with the Justice for Women student group to deliver consent culture training to student associations and students at large. We will also continue to work with the Administration and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) toward a safe post-secondary experience for all members of our campus community.
-30-
The University of Manitoba Students’ Union is the official representative of the over 25,000 undergraduate students at the University of Manitoba.
For media information, please contact:
Jakob Sanderson
President
University of Manitoba Students’ Union
Phone: 204-474-6519
Email: pres@umsu.ca
Sarah Bonner-Proulx
Vice President Advocacy
University of Manitoba Students’ Union
Phone: 204-474-6524
Email: vpa@umsu.ca