Fleming College

Peterborough ON – (March 31, 2015) – Fleming College has finalized its stand-alone policy and protocol on sexual assault and sexual violence and it is now publicly available on the college’s website.

“It is essential that everyone knows their rights and responsibilities and that campus safety continues to be a priority,” said Tony Tilly, President of Fleming College. “Our new policy aims to prevent sexual assaults and sexual violence as well as ensure effective support is available to survivors.”
College presidents voted unanimously in November to create a stand-alone policy and protocol that would be available at all colleges by March 31. A draft version was publicly released in January and there have been consultations throughout the province to finalize the document.

Building on existing policies and practices at the colleges, the stand-alone policy and protocol provides precise definitions of sexual assault and sexual violence, sets clear standards for reporting and responding to incidents of sexual violence, and establishes clear processes for complaints and investigations.

The policy also includes measures to ensure that people who make complaints are protected from reprisals, retaliation or threats. As well, it includes provisions to ensure that confidentiality is strictly observed.

Individual colleges and Colleges Ontario (the advocacy organization for the province’s 24 colleges) have consulted with students and student leaders throughout Ontario. There have also been consultations with legal experts, the Ontario Women’s Directorate, OPSEU, government officials and others.
The colleges’ policy and protocol supports the action plan on sexual violence announced by Premier Kathleen Wynne on March 6. Work will continue to be done to ensure the initiatives at each college fulfil the expectations and requirements of the premier’s action plan.

Ontario’s colleges are currently working on next steps, including new education and training at the colleges and the development of new awareness and prevention initiatives.

“We are grateful to our students and to everyone that has helped us finalize our new policy and protocol,” said President Tilly. “It is essential that we continue working together to raise awareness about sexual violence and the role we can all play in preventing it.”

You can find more information and the full policy here: http://flemingcollege.ca/services/security-and-safety

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Science, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 68,000 alumni.
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For more information:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370