Dear Michael Goldbloom and Board of Governors,

These past few days have been extremely difficult for the entire Bishop's community, as numerous stories of sexual assaults that have occurred on and off campus have surfaced by brave survivors. Many of these stories all share the same sentiment - they bravely reported these incidents to seek justice and support, yet their voices were silenced by the school.

This is not a new issue. 1 in 3 women (The WHO) and 1 in 6 men (1in6.org) experience sexual assault or abuse at some point in their lifetime. 

The Dean of Student Affairs (DSA), continues to make statements that she is "committed to fight sexual violence in our community", yet when students go to her for support, no change is made. The Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Violence, revised on September 27th, 2019 states: "The objective of the disciplinary action or sanction is to deter and prevent the continuation or repetition of the conduct, and may include a range of measures, such as, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

• A directive to the Respondent to cease the behaviour, where a failure to comply may lead to further penalty;
• A program of education or counseling to be undertaken by the Respondent;
• A directive to the Respondent to make a written apology to the Complainant;
• Suspension;
• Dismissal or expulsion.

Any violation of the “Policy” can lead to administrative or disciplinary measures including termination of employment or expulsion of students." These actions to reprimand those who have committed these horrible acts are clearly laid out in the schools policy - so why is nothing being done? The Dean of Student Affairs stated herself in an interview, "90 days is given for assessment of the complaint, after which actions will be taken if the complaint is deemed valid"(The Record, 4 November 2021 at 19 h 19 min). So where are your actions Stine? Are you not deeming these reports as valid?

The problem is not a lack of awareness of where survivors can go to report, the problem is that the DSA, security and the rest of Bishop's admin do not act enough when survivors do come forward to report sexual assault.

The Board of Governors needs to reassess its policies, to ensure that these r*pists are held accountable for their actions. There needs to be a maximum amount of days after a complaint is made for the school to be required to take concrete action to hold these people accountable. The school, and the DSA needs to admit to its wrong-doing and provide concrete change to its policies. We are tired of your empty words.

Silence is compliance. We the students demand action, we demand change, we demand sexual assault reform on this campus. We believe survivors. And so should you.

Sincerely,

Your ashamed and disappointed students. #butakeaction