The Canadian bazaar
TORONTO: Student at Western University in London will stage a walkout on Firday in protest against alleged sexual assaults against multiple female students at first-year student residency Medway-Sydenham Hall on campus.
As many as 30 girl students were drugged and sexually assaulted during orientation week which started on September 6.
The allegations include drinks being spiked, sexual assault and rape.
The London Police said it was beginning an investigation “given the seriousness of the allegations.”
The police said two complaints of sexual assault on campus were received by it a week before the current allegations surfaced.
University authorities have beefed up security on the campus and at student residencies.
Chris Alleyne, Western University associate vice-president of housing and co-associate vice-president of student experience, said the university authorities were investigating the incidents.
“I want to be very clear: sexual violence will not be tolerated. Nothing is more important than the safety and welfare of our campus community. As part of Western’s policy on gender-based and sexual violence, we assess and act immediately on any reports of sexual violence,” he said.
Residence Life Coordinator Jacob Clarke said the university authorities were taking all steps to investigate any rumoured “incidents of gender-based or sexual violence.”
The University Students’ Council executive said it won’t comment on any “ongoing investigations in order to protect the privacy of students.
“However, we want to be clear: we stand with survivors of gender-based and sexual violence,” said the executive. “We are listening and we are ready to advocate on your behalf. Students deserve to be welcomed back to a campus that is safe for everyone.”
