McGill Is 'Looking Into' Sexual Assault Allegations From A Petition With 50,000 Signatures
An online petition outlining sexual misconduct at McGill University has amassed 51,167 signatures since it was started on December 14, just three days ago.
The university announced on its website and on social media that it's "looking into the matter."
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Rest assured that we are committed to proactive measures to prevent and respond to sexual violence in any of its forms.
McGill University
The petition alleges that "a first-year McGill student has committed several counts of sexual assault [...] including rape and coercion of young, drunk girls" this year.Â
The student allegedly committed these acts on the McGill campus and in McGill's student residences, according to the petition.
The creators of the petition, who identify themselves as both survivors and friends of survivors, called upon McGill's administration to take action and "reestablish the trust and safety of young women and people in residences."
"As McGill continues to turn a blind eye to this, we ask that our supporters reach out to media outlets and sources that can further amplify our voices," Catherine, who started the petition, wrote in an update to the petition.Â
McGill's statement in response to the allegations urges students in need of support to connect with the Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education.Â
Fabrice Labeau, Deputy Provost of Student Life and Learning, said students who want to file reports of sexual assault can contact McGill's Senior Equity & Inclusion Advisor.
These reports, he assured, are looked into by an independent investigator.
The creators of the petition also included a Linktree with links to sexual assault and mental health support resources, as well as various forms people can use to report incidents of sexual violence to McGill administration. Â
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, call the Assaulted Women's Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 or find them online here. You can also contact the Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault at 1-866-887-0015 or online here. For a list of resources by province, go here.
