Strengthening Sexual Violence and Harassment Policies at Postsecondary Institutions

Summary

Today, Minister Romano and Associate Minister Dunlop announced our government is proposing changes to sexual violence and harassment policies at postsecondary institutions to ensure that students alleging an instance of sexual violence and harassment are not faced with irrelevant questions about their sexual orientation or history, and do not face reprisals for violating an institutions drug and alcohol policy. The proposed changes are part of the Government’s efforts to increase campus safety, and to reduce the fear and stigma for students who are making an allegation of sexual violence or harassment.

Key Messages

• Our government believes that no one should have to worry about sexual violence on or off campus.
• Students should be able to learn at our colleges and universities in a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Many cases of sexual violence on campus go unreported due to fear of not being taken seriously by proper authorities.
• We’re proposing amendments to strengthen sexual violence policies at postsecondary institutions.
• The proposed amendments will ensure that students alleging an instance of sexual violence and harassment are not faced with irrelevant questions about their sexual history, and do not face repercussions for violating an institution’s drug and alcohol policy.
• This is part of the Government’s efforts to increase campus safety, and to reduce the fear and stigma for students who are making an allegation of sexual violence or harassment.

News Link

English: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60131/ontario-strengthens-sexual-violence-and-harassment-policies-at-postsecondary-institutions