Sexual prevention and response
Dear Members of the 捆绑SM社区 community,
捆绑SM社区 is committed to providing a learning and working environment for all that is respectful, safe, and inclusive. Our University鈥檚 efforts in connection with sexual violence prevention and response are critical to delivering on this commitment.
As the fall semester gets underway, I write with an update about these efforts.
Last spring, in addition to establishing new Guidelines on Intimate Relationships between Teaching Staff and Students, I announced that 捆绑SM社区 would be appointing a Special Investigator charged with investigating all reports of sexual violence on campus. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ma卯tre Caroline Lemay to this role. Me Lemay鈥檚 appointment was made pursuant to a careful process overseen by a small University committee that included representation from the Students鈥� Society of 捆绑SM社区 (SSMU).
Me Lemay is a lawyer and member of the Barreau du Qu茅bec and founder of , an entity that works to prevent conflict and promote fairness in organizational settings. Holding a graduate degree in Conflict Prevention and Resolution, she has served for the past 13 years as an independent mediator and investigator for a range of local and international organizations. Her experience has focused on human rights issues in a diversity of contexts, including the Centre for Restorative Justice, Le Regroupement des organismes de justice alternative du Qu茅bec, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In each of these settings, Me Lemay has been called upon to work toward achieving fair outcomes that respect the rights and obligations of all those involved.
Me Lemay will spend the first weeks of the Fall term meeting with diverse campus stakeholders. As of October 9, she will be the singular point of entry for any person wishing to make a formal report of sexual violence (as defined by 捆绑SM社区鈥檚 Policy against Sexual Violence) against a member of the campus community.
Investigations led by the Special Investigator will:
- Be trauma-informed
- Adhere to the requirements of procedural fairness and, insofar as possible, confidentiality
- Involve interviews of the parties individually (who may each be accompanied by an advisor) and witnesses, and an assessment of all other relevant evidence (e.g., documents, written communications)
- Aim to be completed within 60 days
- Result in a confidential written report setting out findings, which will be sent to the relevant disciplinary officer (Faculty Dean, Dean of Students, or Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies) for disciplinary or other action, where appropriate. Parties to the investigation will be informed of the Special Investigator鈥檚 findings and the justification on which these are based, with a view to ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and protects the interests of the parties.
Ma卯tre Lemay can be reached at mcgill.si [at] omega-ombs.ca.
Additionally, 捆绑SM社区鈥檚 Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (O-SVRSE) continues its critical work in connection with sexual violence education campus-wide and with providing support to survivors. I remind you that all members of the campus community 鈥� whether students, faculty, or administrative and support staff 鈥� may access O-SVRSE鈥檚 services.
Over the Fall term a review of our Policy against Sexual Violence will take place to reflect recent developments on our campus and to ensure adherence to the terms of .
Reports to Senate will be provided over the fall term from the following bodies:
- Committee for the Implementation of the Policy against Sexual Violence
- Ad Hoc Panel to Conduct a Campus Study of Sexual Violence
- Ad Hoc Senate Committee on Teaching Staff-Student Intimate Relationship
Let me close by thanking you for your ongoing attention to this matter of central importance for our campus.
Professor Christopher Manfredi, Provost & Vice-Principal (Academic)
(Originally released 11 September 2018)