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CKDU News Collective

September 30, 2009

HALIFAX–Carleton University students and the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre are outraged by the latest known sexual assault on campus. Carleton University Campus Safety has released information regarding an assault that occurred near residence on September 25^th, 2009 in which a woman was “struck in the face and groped by an unknown male”. Posters have been put up around campus reporting the incident. The Coalition questions why the information describes a sexual assault but labels the incident as an “assault” only.

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre was formed in 2007 after a high-profile sexual assault on campus exposed the lack of adequate support services. After a three-year campaign for increased services, students at Carleton University are still waiting for a centre, for which over 80% of students voted in favour in a 2008 referendum. The campaign reached a fever pitch this past summer when the survivor of the high-profile sexual assault filed a lawsuit against the University. In its statement of defence, Carleton argued that the woman, “failed to take appropriate or any action for her own safety”. Harsh criticism from students, alumni and advocates across the country prompted the University to settle with the plaintiff. However, a Sexual Assault Centre remains to be seen on campus and students continue to demand one.

In this episode of Operation Wake Up! News Collective Host Jane Kirby interviews Julie Lalonde of the Coalition for Carleton University Sexual Assault Centre about Carleton University’s continued failure to take issues of sexual assault seriously, as well as disturbing trends in universities’ responses to this issue and to activism on campuses across the country.