Student Union Gets Support for Greek Life at L University After Sexual Violence Investigation | The Canadian News

The University of Lethbridge is home to three separate Greek life organizations, two sororities, and a fraternity: Kappa Beta Gamma, Alpha Iota; Delta Eta Iota, Alpha; and Kappa Sigma, Omicron Xi.

All three groups were recently de-ratified by the Lethbridge University Student Union (ULSU), citing growing concerns about sexual violence.

This means that they no longer receive on-campus support to operate in an official capacity during the academic year.

“The decision to cancel the ratification of the Greek life organizations on campus was taken by the University of Lethbridge Student Union (ULSU) after an exhaustive process of investigation and consultation,” read a statement from the ULSU.

“There are specific and well-articulated policies governing the responsibilities and behaviors expected of all clubs on campus and it was determined through this process that Greek Life was not meeting these standards.

“The investigation into Greek Life’s activities was an initiative between ULSU and the University of Lethbridge to jointly contract with a third-party human resources company. Their specific findings, out of respect for the parties that participated in the investigation, as well as at the investigator’s discretion, will be kept confidential. “

The University of Lethbridge also provided Global News with a statement that the governance of the club’s activities on campus is the sole responsibility of the University of Lethbridge Student Union, but confirmed its involvement in the joint research efforts.

“The University of Lethbridge has zero tolerance for any form of violence or sexual harassment on its campuses and is committed to creating a culture of consent that is respectful, welcoming and supportive for all students.

“The University will continue to educate the campus community on its recently updated sexual violence policy, how to access available supports, and guidance on options available to survivors. It is imperative that we create a community free of sexual violence that empowers all students to have an enriching experience of the U of L ”.

the ULSU has created an FAQ page to help answer student questions around the decision and direct them to resources for help.

Kristine Cassie, executive director of the Chinook Center for Sexual Assault in Lethbridge, praised the decision.

“I think she talks to the university and the student union about taking sexual violence issues seriously,” Cassie said.

“I hope you spend some time really reflecting on (how it got to) the stage it got to, what are those interventions that needed to happen sooner, and what else needs to be implemented that we can prevent it from happening again.”

According to a Statistics Canada study of postsecondary institutions, fewer than one in ten men and women reported unwanted sexual behavior or sexual assault on someone at school.

Global News reached out to every Greek Life organization for a response. Kappa Sigma provided a statement saying:

“The Omicron-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma is discouraged by the decision of the University of Lethbridge Student Union to overturn the ratification of all Greek Life organizations on campus during the academic year, and by the lack of due process involved.

“The Kappa Sigma Fraternity chapters in Canada and North America are valuable partners with their universities to promote philanthropy, community service, and positive change on many issues of social concern. Kappa Sigma hopes that we can continue to be a valued community partner and instrument for positive change at the University of Lethbridge. “

Kappa Sigma told Global News that it will continue to operate as a community group under the international chapter, but not as a student group.

Global News reached out to Kappa Beta Gamma for comment, but declined the offer.

Rosie Costen, co-chair of Delta Eta Iota, was shocked by the news. She said she was not aware of any incidents within her sorority.

“It was especially jarring because our organization has been involved in many things in the past to support victims of sexual violence, on and off campus,” said Costen.

“Hearing that in Greek Life this was happening, it was really a bit disturbing.”

For co-chair Selena Boutilier, this situation hits close to home.

“I am a survivor of sexual assault, so it is a very difficult topic for me and it is a little frustrating that something like this comes to light,” they said.

“Because obviously we want to protect our sisters and we want to protect the members of our community.”

Costen and Boutilier are in their final year at the U of L and are disappointed with the suspension of the club’s activities, but hope the action will have a positive result.

“As of now, being deratified means we cannot rush or recruit new members,” he said. “We can still do our volunteer hours, which we are excited about.”

ULSU said it will work with Greek Life “to improve their policies and ensure that they can provide a positive and healthy environment for Greek Life members should they choose to seek further ratification in the future.”