With the “Cornell Seven” case continuing to make headlines around the world, students at Fanshawe are having conversations about parties and consent on and around campus, as well as sharing how they and the people around them can stay safe.
The conversations come in the shadow of the ongoing case from the prestigious Ivy League university located in Ithaca, N.Y., where a woman known only as “Jane Doe” has accused seven male students of sexually assaulting her during a party at a fraternity house in 2024.
Many Fanshawe students living in housing on Kestrel Court have said they are aware of the case, but in their own opinions and experiences, they said the party scene in the student housing bloc is not especially rowdy.
“Nothing really big happens, to be honest,” said accounting student Olivia Reees. “Everybody’s just like getting together and talking to one another.”
At the same time, some students said they had been to parties outside of Kestrel, and described them as being “pretty busy.” As well, multiple students said that the bar scene at Western University and other places in London was concerning.
“I have had friends who have some stories with … people being a little bit inappropriate in terms of words and trying to get them to get into their Ubers,” said second-year nursing student Brooklyn Fisher.
Many students at Fanshawe said that at parties they or their friends had been to, the prioritization of consent by the people there was mixed.
“I guess it depends on who you are, and like if you’re drinking and how that type of person is,” said child and youth care student Charleigh Borell. “If you feel responsible and you’re feeling friendly at other people, then … yes, but if you’re not and they’re just going to look for something, then
A list of support resources provided for Fanshawe students by the Centre for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CEDI). The “Cornell Seven” case has inspired many conversations about safety and consent at Fanshawe.
Photos by: Curtis Stokman
maybe not.”
Concerns such as these were prevalent among the students interviewed. All of them shared similar strategies that they use to keep themselves and the people around them safe at parties. Jaylene MacLean, a business international law student at Conestoga College who was visiting Fanshawe, said she doesn’t drink as much when in public.
“I always like to stick with a friend no matter where I go,” said Borell. “Whether it’s a party or anywhere I like to be.”
Reees and fellow child and youth care student Madison Armstrong said they share the same strategy as Borell, and that all three of them look out for others when at parties.
XFM News also reached out to Fanshawe sexual violence and prevention consultant Xieling Zhang for comment. While she was unable to answer questions, the Centre for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI) office that she works in did provide a list of resources available to students who may be in need of support.
Ultimately, while the “Cornell Seven” case may still be ongoing, some students believe the conversations that it has started are important.
“I’m glad that a lot more awareness is being spread about this,” said Fisher.
