Queen’s University students who hung sexist posters during the rowdy homecoming weekend will face consequences through the school’s code of conduct, according to Principal Patrick Deane.
“While this weekend’s street parties and other forms of disruptive behavior can be sympathetically explained by some as an expression of the pent-up energy of young people emerging from COVID-19 isolation, no such excuse can be given for acts of sexual harassment or violence, or sexist behavior of any kind, ”Deane said in a statement released Monday.
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Two posters in particular have been circulating on social media, displaying misogynistic messages, including: “Shut up your daughters, not Kingston.”
Deane said those who posted such signs have already been notified that they will face disciplinary proceedings under the school’s code of conduct.
Last week, Deane told Global News that if convicted under such a disciplinary process, students could face corrective action up to expulsion.
Similar posters have been hung in the homes of the University District in the past, but Deane said this tradition is no longer acceptable.
“If ever there was a time when cultural mores allowed such behavior at Queen’s, that time has definitely passed,” he said.
Sexual Assault Center Kingston said they will discuss what to do with the signs and the tradition of hanging them during the homecoming dance, in a meeting Monday.
“We also discussed the misogynistic banners hanging around student housing this week in (Kingston). Unfortunately (it happens) every year without consequences. Why not name those people too? ”Wrote the center.
This refers to the city’s recent emergency order that allows anyone fined under what the police consider a “party aggravated by nuisance” to give their name to the media.
There were at least two aggravated nuisance matches declared this weekend.
Reference-globalnews.ca