the journal
Queen’s University
Vol. 143, Issue 26
New sexual assault policy only the beginning
F r i day , M a r c h 1 1 , 2 0 1 6
since
1873
Discussing our Indigeneity Students share experiences as Aboriginal Awareness Week begins – Page 9
Provost says policy is “an important step” but further modifications may be made V ictoria G ibson Assistant News Editor
Talk of amending parts of the new sexual violence policy has begun just a week after the Queen’s Board of Trustees approved the document. Provost Alan Harrison says the passage of the Ontario Sexual Violence and Harassment Plan Act may lead to amendments to the policy, while Rector Mike Young has highlighted several concerns about the current policy despite his overall excitement at seeing the policy approved. Before an interim protocol was released in December 2014, a harassment and discrimination complaint policy had been used for cases involving sexual assault. The recently-passed policy has been in the works for 15 months. Following a Toronto Star investigation into sexual assault policies at universities in November 2014, Queen’s expedited the work of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Working Group (SAPWRG) created in June 2013. Since then, the University has been in the process of creating a sexual assault policy. Queen’s released a report of recommendations on June 1, 2016 and a draft of the policy for feedback on Dec. 3, 2016. The final policy received approval from the Board of Trustees four days before the province announced the passage of the Sexual Violence and Harassment Plan Act (Bill 132). The impending legislation had been previously cited by University administration as a reason for delays in the policy-making process. The legislation mandates that all post-secondary institutions create a standalone sexual violence policy before Jan. 1, 2017, and is reviewed by a group that includes students every three years. Provost Alan Harrison told The Journal in an email that some modifications may still See Definition on page 5
DOWNTOWN
The Sleepless Goat to close Princess St. staple announces Wednesday that they’re no longer in business M ikayla W ronko Assistant News Editor The Sleepless Goat, an iconic downtown Kingston cafe, has announced that it’s shutting down after 23 years of operations. The cafe announced its closure on its Facebook page on Wednesday, stating that
they made the announcement with the “heaviest of hearts”. “Together we’ve heard great musicians, enjoyed beautiful artwork, tasty, healthy food and a place where minds and hearts could meet. Despite our valiant efforts and managing to stay open through many difficult times, it appears we’ve come to an
JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
The Goat was established in 1993 by Queen’s medical students.
end,” the statement read. “Know that we did our very best, and that this is a deep and profound loss for us, just like we know it will be for you. Thank you for your love and support over the years. Getting to know you and serve you has been an honour.” The Goat, known for its fair-trade beverages and vegetarian-friendly meals, was a co-operative business and popular study space for Queen’s students. The co-operative also provided a venue for local arts events. Christina Avery, a member of the cafe’s co-operative, told The Journal via Facebook Messenger that although she’d only been working at the Goat for a year, she’s been a customer for five years. “The Goat was somewhere to be myself, somewhere to meet like-minded people and a safe wonderful place to be,” Avery said. The Sleepless Goat has been struggling to remain open for a number of years due to high costs of rent and building maintenance. The past few months provided insurmountable financial obstacles due to low foot traffic on Princess St. See Expenses on page 5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
FEATURES
EDITORIALS
OPINIONS
SPORTS
POSTSCRIPT
With few resources, international students are left vulnerable
Mandatory heels and mini-skirts a human rights violation
Anti-abortion group relies on shame and misinformation
Trio of varsity teams knocked out of playoffs
One freshman’s battle with an eating disorder
page 3
page 7
page 8
page 13
page 19
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