This article discusses sexual assault and may be triggering for some readers. The Journal uses “survivor” to refer to those who have experienced sexual assault. The Kingston Sexual Assault Centre’s 24-hour crisis and phone line can be reached at 613-544-6424 / 1-877-544-6424.
Queen’s has a history of campus safety issues. We must ensure there’s no future.
One of the largest pushes for sexual assault activism on campus occurred in October 1989, after Queen’s received national attention when signs were posted in the windows of Gordon-Brockington House, reading “No means kick her teeth in” and “No means harder.”
The Journal interviewed the residents who claimed the signs were simply a joke meant to “lighten up” the rape awareness campaign occurring on campus. In Volume 117, Issue 13, these students said, “We did it just for fun. We just kept on making slogans until we ran out of tape.”
This wasn’t the last time Queen’s made headlines for its campus culture. In 2019, a province-wide survey revealed Queen’s had the second highest number of non-consensual sexual harassment disclosures out of 30 Ontario universities. Over 70 per cent of participants said they had disclosed sexual violence to Queen’s. In that same study, almost 60 per cent of Queen’s students stated they had no knowledge of available services on campus.
Despite holding its third annual consent week last week, Queen’s still has a long way to go.
During the Take Back the Night event—an event aimed to raise awareness for sexual violence on and off campus—several students shared heartbreaking stories of the violence and harassment they faced, with some incidents occurring on campus. Though much has changed since the 80s, this event was a wakeup call to the present and persistent issues of sexual harassment, violence, and abuse on the Queen’s campus.
The link between party culture and sexual violence also can’t be ignored. The increased drugging instances at bars in recent years is just one example.
From May 2022 to June 2023, Queen’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services reported 236 students had ed them. In that same period, Queen’s reported in a survey that almost 60 per cent of students believed there was a sexual violence problem at Queen’s.
While Queen’s has worked to increase education on sexual violence around campus since the incident in 1989, they’re not doing enough. Students shouldn’t have to feel the threat of harassment or assault around every corner. They deserve to feel safe on campus.
Lauren is a second-year Political Studies student and one of The Journal’s Assistant News Editors.
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