Campus Voices

We stand together at Bishop’s University

Over the past several weeks, the Dean of Student Affairs has released multiple statements regarding several sexual assault reports that were recently made by students. The reports have led faculty to recommend that no student walk home alone at night, as well as to encourage students to make sure that their friends are not walking alone. In response to these reports, the Bishop’s University community has come together in several astounding ways to support survivors and protect each other.

On Tuesday, November 7th, Michael Goldbloom and Dr. Stine Linden Anderson (BU Dean of Student Affairs) held a Q & A open to the community to address questions that individuals have had since the first emails were sent out urging students to be careful walking outside alone. The room filled with so many that there were soon no seats available. Community members asked dozens of questions and there was a clear sentiment that people wanted to know how they could help to ensure that all students would feel safe when walking around town, especially at night.

Since this meeting, many students have volunteered to work into the early hours of the morning to assure that students have someone to walk home with through an initiative called Safe Walk. Additionally, student safety has agreed to work extra hours to patrol campus to a greater extent. A Facebook group has even been created to select meeting times to walk to and from evening classes in groups. SASH (Sexual Assault Support & Healing) is also offering biweekly support group meetings at Bishop’s University for survivors of sexual and gender based violence and those who support them. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

The security department at Bishop’s has also increased their presence on campus, as well as closing off an unlit path that leads to the Champlain residence after students complaining of the lack of light at nighttime. The Sherbrooke police have also released a statement to the students of Bishop’s University that they will have more officers regularly patrolling Lennoxville and are working hard on find the perpetrator of the assaults.

In these dark times, it is important that everyone continues to be alert and participate in the community as much as possible. By standing together, not only do we protect individuals who may have otherwise been alone and in danger, but we also communicate a clear message to the world in a time where it truly needs to be heard. We care about each other and stand with survivors of sexual and gender based violence.

Payton Bernett is a third year Honours Psychology student and Co-lead of the Gender Equity Centre (GEC) at Bishop's University. and helps facilitate Sexual Assault Support & Healing (SASH)