THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University is moving quickly to address any possible issues with University Policies following the publishing of a letter in the Chronicle Journal newspaper in Thunder Bay. Dr. Brian Stevenson says, “Universities have a responsibility to promote understanding and positive social change. And we do that through education.”
As stated in a recent letter to his University community, today Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, announced the creation of a Presidential Task Force to examine policies pertaining to sexual assault prevention and the support provided to victims on campus.
“This Task Force speaks to the role Universities play in transforming society,” added Dr. Stevenson.
Lakehead Professor and Chair of the Lakehead’s Department of Women’s Studies, Dr. Lori Chambers, will chair the new Task Force.
“The unfortunate reality is that no community, including Lakehead, is entirely safe, and all members of our society are affected by violence,” explained Dr. Chambers. “This task force has a mandate to educate the University community about the pervasiveness of sexual assault in order to minimize stigma and sexual assault myths.”
Dr. Chambers said, “The Task Force will examine how Lakehead deals with sexual assault, including education, prevention and support, and will make recommendations for best practices.”
The Task Force on Sexual Assault Education, Prevention and Support will include Lakehead students, faculty and staff, as well as experts in sexual assault from the community.The Task Force will conduct community consultations.
Initial Task Force members:
Chair: Dr. Lori Chambers, Chair, Department of Women’s Studies
Dawn MacDonald, Manager, Ambulatory Day Care/Sexual Assault Domestic Violence, Thunder Bay Regional Health Centre
Doreen Boucher, Executive Director, Thunder Bay Sexual Assault Sexual Abuse Counselling and Crisis Centre
Three students, to be recommended by the Lakehead University Student Union
A student chosen by Residence Council
Sherry Herchak, Acting Associate Vice-President, Human Resources
Professor Lee Stuesser, Dean, Faculty of Law
Marian Ryks-Szelekovszky, Vice-Provost, Student Affairs
Karen Chan, Manager, Student Health & Counseling Services Centre
Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives
David Hare, Director of Residence and Conference Services
Frank Cappadocia, Associate Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus
Tom Warden, Director, Athletics
Linda Moffatt, Acting Manager, Security Services
For more information visit www.lakeheadu.ca
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