New UBC president commends ‘thoughtful’ sex-assault report

UBC president Santa Ono has released a report on the university’s approach to sex assaults, reports the Canadian Press. Produced by an expert panel appointed by UBC, the report recommended major changes to renew trust on campus and combat views that UBC has avoided responsibility.

“I want to commend the University Sexual Assault Panel for a thoughtful, comprehensive report that will help inform dialogue and spark further engagement on campus as we work to improve our policies and practices for addressing and responding to sexual assault,” said Ono.

This CP story appeared in the Globe and Mail, CBC, CTV, Vancouver Sun, and other outlets.

The report was submitted over the summer, and Sara-Jane Finlay, UBC’s associate vice president, equity and inclusion, commented on the timing of its release. “We wouldn’t want to rush into making decisions that did not reflect the needs and desires of our community,” she told CTV (5:07 mark).