Nova Scotia campuses vary in development of sex assault policies

As Nova Scotia universities prepare to open the fall semester, students groups hope this is the year fully developed policies for sexual assault are finally in place on campuses across the province.

Charlotte Kiddell, chairwoman of the Canadian Federation of Students Nova Scotia branch, said some schools are well on their way, while others still have work to do.

In the spring, student leaders called on the provincial government to pass legislation requiring universities to have standalone sexual assault policies to addressed reporting, support for victims and other services.

While the province didn't pass legislation, the new memorandum of understanding with universities ties funding increases with certain measures, including having policies for sexual violence.

Kiddell said having policies in place is important because it lays out clear guidelines for how incidents should be handled. She pointed to the controversy related to the dentistry students at Dalhousie University and how that case was handled as an example of what happens if there are insufficient protocols.

While all campuses have some level of services in place (counselling, bystander training, etc.) some have more than others. And while student leaders agree the issue requires students and administration to work together, there are different views from campus to campus about whether that's happening.

Samantha Sproule, president of the Acadia Students' Union, said there is great collaboration between the two sides at the Wolfville institution. A sexual-health working group meets throughout the year and includes students, staff, faculty and the school's pride centre.

"We really have a constant conversation around sexual health on campus," she said.

Research projects happen regularly that go toward building awareness and there is frequent collaboration with the school's women's centre, said Sproule.

'Always going to be looking for ways to improve'

James Sanford, Acadia's executive director of student services, said the working group itself stemmed from an undergraduate research project in 2012.

While the school seems to be making good progress on the issue, Sanford wasn't prepared to say what's in place would meet the new requirements from the province.

"This is something that, regardless of how you think you're doing on a paper checklist, you're always going to be looking for ways to improve and make sure that you're staying current with things."

Cape Breton University Students' Union president Roy Karam said although he'd like to have seen legislation from the province, he's optimistic. He and other student representatives are on a committee that will help draft new policies.

Everyone recognizes there needs to be more services on campus, said Karam, and he's pleased the school is using an inclusive approach to examine the issue.

"I have an arm's length relationship with the university, but a very good arm's length relationship with the university."

Scott Thomas, CBU's human rights advisor, said having students involved from the onset was a no-brainer.

"We felt that in order for us to really develop a strong policy you have to incorporate the people it's going to touch the most, impact the most."

Student leaders at other schools, however, have expressed concern about what they feel has been a lack of inclusion and consultation on policy development.

Rhiannon Makohoniuk, vice-president internal for the Dalhousie Student Union, said there are students on campus who are skeptical of or distrust services provided by the administration. The two sides are currently in a dispute about funding from a helpline.

'We need to do more'

Arig al Shaibah, the school's vice-provost student affairs, said the school is working to address those concerns.

"It just means we need to do more to reach out to students," she said.

"Students have their finger on the pulse in terms of what students may be interested in and we are in the business of trying to learn more about what might help students."

The same is true at the University of King's College, where the student union expressed concerns about not being involved in the drafting of guidelines currently in place.

But Kim Kierans, the school's vice-president and equity officer, said an equity committee that will draft a policy this year will include student representation.

"They will have a say. There will be wide consultations."