Western University students will leave class Friday to protest what they call a “culture of misogyny” on campus after a series of sexual assault allegations surfaced in recent days.
The students say they will also talk about the London, Ontario school’s handling of those allegations.
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Western University Guidance Leader Shares Personal Account Amid Online Reports of Student Assaults
Western and London police have said four women have filed formal complaints about being sexually assaulted on campus recently.
Police are also investigating allegations made on social media of mass drug addiction and sexual assault at the Medway-Sydenham Hall residence on campus during orientation week.
The force has said that no one has filed a formal complaint about those allegations online.
Western announced Thursday that it will require resident students to take training sessions on sexual violence and consent as it works to address what it describes as a troubled culture on campus.
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Western University launches action plan amid reports of student assaults
The move is part of a new action plan that will also see the university hire 100 new “safety ambassadors,” a mix of senior and graduate students who will work overnight in residencies.
The school also plans to create a task force that will take “a holistic look” at student safety.
Friday’s event is expected to see students leaving their classes at noon.
© 2021 The Canadian Press
Reference-globalnews.ca