Jess Gould / XFM News
A sea of bodies flooded U.C Hill at Western University in an organized walk-out to protest the school’s handling of sexual assault allegations on campus.
Thousands of students, staff, and Londoners gathered in solidarity after several sexual assault allegations that took place over orientation week.
Western President Alan Shepard stated in a police briefing “The recent events do not reflect Western’s values, and they are not the Western experience that we would want for our students.”
However, as many students shared in displeasure of the way Western has been handling the incident, the walk-out was organized to stand with survivors of sexual assault and demand a greater change.
Jess Gould / XFM News
Students of Western like Cameron Maly were quick to share why they felt compelled to join the campus walk-out.
“We came to show support that what’s been going on isn’t okay.”
Western is not the only school students are demanding accountability for, as Fanshawe students also feel concern for their safety and well being against sexual violence on campus.
Fanshawe second year graphic design student Lisa McKaskell attended the walk-out at Western to help bring change for violence against women.
“I was sexually assaulted on a Fanshawe campus a couple years ago, and never reported it because I was too afraid of the stigma of what would happen if I let that be known,” shares survivor McKaskell. “I think it’s really important. I think the city doesn’t feel safe for women at all. I know that I’m afraid to go downtown now, so it’s important that we show that it’s not okay to do this anymore.. It never was.”
McKaskell believes Fanshawe should set up an awareness campaign against violence.
“We need to be setting a standard, like a social standard for safety. We need everyone to know that they have to feel safe here regardless of their gender, race, or class. Everyone should feel safe here, and right now if you’re a woman, it doesn’t feel safe at all.”
Jess Gould / XFM News
Among supporters at the walk-out was Sarah Lehman with London Abused Women Centre.
“We provide immediate access for women and girls over the age of twelve who have been affected by intimate partner violence, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. We’re here at Western at the walk-out because we want women to know that we support them, and that we believe them. There are services within this community that will support them through whatever it is that they’re going through.”
All services through the centre are free.
NDP MPP Terence Kernaghan was also present to show support against violence targeting women.
Jess Gould / XFM News
“It’s an important event to come to listen, to hear students, to support survivors, to believe survivors, and to listen to the community which is long for change. There are terrible stories that have been circulating on social media and become onto the university to act to make sure all students are safe.”
Western is currently still investigating the incidents, with first steps announced to reflect the culture on campus.
We have a lot of work to do. We have a culture problem that we need to address. Today, we are announcing our first steps to examine the culture on our campus and identify what more we can do to ensure the safety and security of every member of our community.
— Western University (@WesternU) September 16, 2021
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