Faculty of Music Statement: Gendered and Sexual Violence

Sept. 28, 2023

Wilfrid Laurier University acknowledges that there is a systemic, sector-wide issue of disproportionately high number of sexual misconduct cases in faculties of music in higher education. Wilfrid Laurier University is not immune, nor unresponsive to this issue.

The Faculty of Music is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty, and staff. For the past two years, the Faculty of Music has collaborated with Laurier’s Sexual Violence Response Team to prioritize an intentional commitment to confronting the pervasiveness of gendered and sexual violence in Music. We continue to offer ongoing support through training and workshops.

Laurier is committed to addressing Gendered and Sexual Violence within the University community through education, awareness, prevention, support and accountability.  As part of our standard practice, the university conducted an extensive collaborative policy review, resulting in a revised Gendered and Sexual Violence Policy. The policy outlines our rules and expectations for appropriate sexual behaviour and disciplinary measures that may be imposed on those who violate the policy. The policy also provides information on how to report and respond to incidents of sexual misconduct – addressing harm by our employees towards our students, as defined by Bill 26, the Strengthening Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act. Sexual misconduct includes any sexual behaviour that is unwanted, coerced, forced or abusive, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation or sexual interference.  Laurier takes allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously, and responds to all complaints with a trauma-informed, survivor- centric approach. Faculty or staff who are found to have committed an act of sexual misconduct will be held accountable, which can include dismissal.

Any individual impacted by gendered or sexual violence can access the Sexual Violence Response Staff for trauma-informed counselling and support, referrals to off-campus support, referrals to on and off-campus Sexual Violence counselling, resources, support with academic and other accommodations, and to learn about options for reporting and Complaint processes. The Faculty of Music encourages anyone who has experienced or witnessed gendered or sexual violence, including sexual misconduct, to access the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management. Laurier will respect a survivor’s privacy and honour requests for confidentiality to the greatest extent possible; unless the disclosure prompts actions that are required by law or necessary to protect the safety of others.

The Faculty of Music values diversity, inclusion and equity in our community. We strive to foster a culture of respect and accountability among our members. We stand with survivors of sexual misconduct and support their right to seek justice and healing. Together, we can prevent and eliminate sexual misconduct in our institution.