Mcgill says it's investigating alleged sexual misconduct

Mcgill University says it is investigating instances of alleged sexual misconduct on campus after an online petition calling on the university to act has collected more than 50,000 signatures.

In a series of tweets published Wednesday, the university said it's looking into the issue and shared several resources available for students who have been the victims of sexual violence.

“Mcgill's senior administration was recently made aware of alleged sexual misconduct on campus,” the school said. “As soon as we became aware, we began looking into the matter.”

The online petition was created Monday, alleging a student has sexually assaulted several other students in the school's residences.

The petition says the university has been aware of the allegations but has not acted.

“We call on Mcgill University administration to make a statement and take action towards this student,” it says, “in order to re-establish the trust and safety of young women and people in residences and as Mcgill University students.”

In its tweets, the university said it's committed to taking “proactive measures” to prevent sexual violence on campus.

“As with any other university in the province,” it added, “Mcgill is not legally permitted to divulge any information that could reveal personal information about any member of the Mcgill community.”

Mcgill implemented a new mandatory course on sexual violence prevention last year.