Fellow Western students are organizing a walk out on Friday due to alleged sexual assaults during orientation week. London Police have also been investigating three sexual violence cases involving four female students, as well as a beating death of Gabriel Neil, a first year Western student.
“This past weekend the London police service became aware of reports circulating on social media with relation to allegations that a number of female students residing at Medway-Sydenham Hall at Western University were drugged and sexually assaulted over the weekend. Some reports suggest 30 or more students may have been victimized,” London Police chief Steve Williams stated in the media conference Tuesday. He continues to urge students to come forward and speak out.
Hayden Van Neck, third-year-student and one of the organizers has stated that the on-campus event will see many sexual assault survivors and they will speak out about their story.
‘There is no room for gender based violence in our community and we encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report the incident to the police so that the matter can be fully investigated.’ London Police had stated in the media conference.
The president of Western University, Alan Shepard, has stated that the safety of the students are the main priority, and should always be the main priority.
‘The recent events do not reflect Western’s values and they are not the Western experience we want for our students.’
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also took to twitter to voice his opinion on the matter.
‘As the father of four young women, I am beyond disgusted to hear about the allegations of sexual assault that took place at Western University last week. All victims of sexual violence deserve justice. All students should feel safe on campus.’
https://twitter.com/fordnation/status/1437795118690471944
Anova is a gender-based shelter in London Ontario and they have shown their support by setting up a safe space on campus for those who are struggling.
Hayden Van Neck, along with 20 others has started an Instagram focusing on organizing a student walkout in support of students who have experienced sexual violence on campus.
The only thing they ask for you yo do is to wear a mask and wear teal. Teal is the sexual assault awareness colour to show solidarity. The walkout will also have speakers who are sexual assault survivors and the organizers.
Also if you would like, this Thursday September 16th, Western is holding a poster making event for Friday. Some supplies will be provided but people can bring their own and are asked to wear a mask.
A student-led petition is asking the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities and any other applicable government agencies to conduct a full formal investigation into Western University. It’s already gathered over 5,000 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.
https://www.change.org/p/ontario-ministry-of-colleges-and-universities-investigation-into-western-university-by-the-ontario-ministry-of-universities?signed=true
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