February 3, 2016
Note: This event has concluded. Check back to equity.ubc.ca after February 22 for a post-event write-up about this event.
In recent weeks concerned faculty members have come together to help UBC move towards positive, timely, and effective action on sexual assault policy. With the support of Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Vice President, Equity and Inclusion and Professor Neil Guppy from the Office of Vice President, Students they will present a two-day event, Sexual Assault: Discourse & Dialogue 2016, on February 15-16, 2016.
The event provides an opportunity for faculty, graduate students and staff to consider various issues raised by sexual assault and sexual assault policy in the university context.
Sexual Assault: Discourse & Dialogue 2016
Two day event including a research forum to share UBC expertise in the area, a keynote from Professor Jennifer Freyd (University of Oregon), and facilitated discussions.
Faculty members Carrie Ichikawa Jenkins and Alan Richardson from the Department of Philosophy encourage all faculty, graduate students and staff to participate in this event.
Scroll down page to see agenda.
Date and time: Monday, February 15, 9am-3pm and Tuesday, February 16, 8:30am-4pm
Location: UBC Vancouver, Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS)
BC Hydro Theatre
2260 West Mall, Room 2331
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4
UBC map
Agenda:
Day One: February 15th – Discourse
| 9.00 |
Breakfast and networking |
| 9.30 |
Welcome – Carrie Ichikawa Jenkins, Professor, Department of Philosophy |
| 9.35 |
Musqueam acknowledgement |
| 9.45 |
Small group introductions and format for the day |
| 10.00 |
Sharing our research
Presenters: Tal Nitsan – “From Fieldwork to Homework”, Scott Andersen, Jonathan Ichikawa |
| 12.00 |
Making connections |
| 12.05 |
- Sexual Assault Support Centre – Ashley Bentley
|
| 12.30 |
Lunch |
| 1.00 |
Discussing Ideas
Presenters: Juliet O’Brien (via Skype), Brandy Wiebe |
| 2.00 |
Community resources
- Student Development Services – Sexual Assault Intervention and Prevention Education: Developing UBC’s Three Year Plan
Janet Mee, Director, Access & Diversity and C.J. Rowe, Diversity Advisor, Student Development and Services
- Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Vice President, Equity and Inclusion will discuss the findings of the Paula Butler report. Read executive summary report.
|
| 2.30 |
Coffee |
| 2.40 |
Recommendations and next steps for Day 2 |
Day Two: February 16th – Dialogue
| 8.30 |
Breakfast and networking |
| 9.00 |
 Keynote:
Professor Jennifer Freyd, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon
Addressing Sexual Assault: Moving from Institutional Betrayal to Institutional Courage
For over 20 years my students and I have investigated the impact of betrayal trauma (such as abuse perpetrated by a trusted other) on victims, discovering in the process that interpersonal betrayal is particularly toxic to individuals. More recently we have conducted empirical research on the impact institutional betrayal has on individuals within institutions, with a focus on institutional response to military and campus sexual assault. Both our laboratory and campus research indicates that institutional betrayal can exacerbate the harm of sexual trauma. For instance, sexually-assaulted students who were treated poorly by their institutions show significantly greater levels of dissociation, anxiety, and other trauma-specific symptoms. We have found heightened effects for LGBT-identified students compared to heterosexual students and we have also uncovered some of the specific mechanisms by which universities currently fail to prevent sexual assault and cause additional harm to victims. Our research reveals areas of institutional policy and practice that could and should be targeted for improvement so that we can move from institutional betrayal to institutional courage. |
| 10.00 |
Questions & discussion |
| 10.30 |
Coffee |
| 10.45 |
- Survivors’ Experience After Assault and Disclosure – Facilitator: Ashley Bentley
- Policy (Rights, fairness and transparency – Facilitator: Shirley Nakata
- Process (Community Inclusion – Facilitator: JP Catungal
- Policy and Culture Change (what does a culture of respect look like?) – Facilitator: Jude Tate
- Resources – Facilitator: Rachael Sullivan
- Education – Facilitation: Janet Mee
- Process (structure and organization, development) – Facilitator: Frances ChandlerRecommendations from these discussions will inform the creation of a sexual assault policy and long-term action plan for the University.
|
| 12.00 |
Reporting back |
| 12.30 |
Lunch and networking |
| 1.30 |
- Survivors’ Experience After Assault and Disclosure – Facilitator: Ashley Bentley
- Policy (Rights, fairness and transparency – Facilitator: Shirley Nakata
- Process (Community Inclusion – Facilitator: JP Catungal
- Policy and Culture Change (what does a culture of respect look like?) – Facilitator: Jude Tate
- Resources – Facilitator: Rachael Sullivan
- Education – Facilitation: Janet Mee
- Process (structure and organization, development) – Facilitator: Frances Chandler
Recommendations from these discussions will inform the creation of a sexual assault policy and long-term action plan for the University. |
| 2.30 |
Reporting back |
| 3.00 |
Recommendations and next steps |
| 4.00 |
Close |
Events |
January 21, 2016
Concerned faculty member at UBC (including sessional instructors and non-tenure faculty) are invited to participate in a Virtual Teach-In for UBC’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (January 2016). Post your thoughts about the topic on social media, using the hashtag #UBCSAAM.
Many UBC faculty are concerned that official channels for addressing important campus issues are inadequate. Social media allows us the space to speak from our research expertise, from our experiences as members of the campus community, and as faculty who teach and supervise students. By using social media, we bring the topic to the larger public for further discussion and greater awareness.
When: Monday, January 25, 2016
Where: Social media (twitter, facebook, instagram, tumbr, blogs etc.)
Events |
January 11, 2016
Part of Race Literacies – as series of events featuring renowned Black Canadian Scholars
Rinaldo Walcott is an Associate Professor and Director of Women and Gender Studies Institute at the University of Toronto. He is a member of the Department of Social Justice Education at OISE, as well as the Graduate Program in Cinema Studies at the University of Toronto. His teaching and research is in the area of black diaspora cultural studies and postcolonial studies with an emphasis on questions of sexuality, gender, nation, citizenship and multiculturalism. From 2002-2007 Rinaldo held the Canada Research Chair of Social Justice and Cultural Studies where his research was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Innovation Trust.
Rinaldo Walcott is the author of Black Like Who: Writing Black Canada (Insonmiac Press, 1997 with a second revised edition in 2003); he is also the editor of Rude: Contemporary Black Canadian Cultural Criticism (Insomniac, 2000). As well Rinaldo is the Co-editor with Roy Moodley of Counselling Across and Beyond Cultures: Exploring the Work of Clemment Vontress in Clinical Practice (University of Toronto Press, 2010).
Currently, Rinaldo is completing Black Diaspora Faggotry: Readings Frames Limits, which is under-contract to Duke University Press. Additionally Rinaldo is co-editing with Dina Georgis and Katherine McKittrick No Language Is Neutral: Essays on Dionne Brand (forthcoming). Additionally, Rinaldo is completing The Long Emancipation: Moving Towards (Black) Freedom, An Essay. As an interdisciplinary black studies scholar Rinaldo has published in a wide range of venues. His articles have appeared in journals and books, as well as popular venues like newspapers and magazines, as well as other kinds of media.
Connect with Race Literacies on social media
Events |
January 5, 2016
Sexual assault affects people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Help end the violence by participating in one of many Sexual Assault Awareness Month events this January. Learn more about sexual assault, how to help prevent it, and the supports available for survivors. And don’t forget to wear denim on Denim Day, January 20, to show others you’re standing up against sexual assault.
Please find a highlighted list of events below. Read more for more information and events, and follow us on Twitter at #saamUBC.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact CJ Rowe at cj.rowe@ubc.ca.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7
o AMS SASC is tabling in the NEST Concourse between 11am and 2pm
Thursday 7
o From Fieldwork to Homework: Promoting Rape-Free Campus Culture a talk by Dr. Tal Nitsán. 11:30am-1pm, ANTH 134
Thursday, January 14
o Masculinity and Violence a presentation by Jamie Utt. 4:00pm-6:30pm, Nest 2301.
Wednesday, January 20
o Denim Day: Stand up for a respectful campus and ask the same of your friends. Wear denim, a Denim Day sticker, or both on January 20 to stand against sexual assault. Stickers provided by Student Development and Services, email cj.rowe@ubc.ca to get yours.
o Coming together at the intersections: Sexualized violence in our communities. A panel discussion with Harsha Walia, Dr. Natalie Clark and Ivan Leonce. 12pm-1pm, Izzy Mac Ballroom, Walter Gage Residence. RSVP for lunch by sending an email to cj.rowe@ubc.ca.
o Anti-violence ally training, 4pm-6:30pm. Contact Josey Ross at AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre, joseyross@ams.ubc.ca to register.
Tuesday, January 26
o Race, Racism & Sexualized Violence Workshop, 5pm-7pm. Contact Josey Ross at AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre, joseyross@ams.ubc.ca to register.
Thursday, January 28
o SAAM keynote Rethinking Sexualization with julia serano. 12.30-1.30pm, Multipurpose Room, Liu Institute.
For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month and for a detailed account of each event listed above, check out http://students.ubc.ca/saam.
Events |
December 17, 2015
Celebrating Social Change on Campus – AMS Resource Groups present a Centennial Open House
January 14, 2016
4-7pm
AMS Student Nest, Resource Groups Centre (Rm. 2102)
RSVP on Eventbrite
Facebook
On January 14th, the AMS Resource Groups, in partnership with the UBC Equity and Inclusion Office, are very excited to host the Centennial Open House. Join us in celebrating many years of UBC student-led activism on social justice, environmental concerns, women’s issues, sexual and gender diversity, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Come explore the Social Justice Centre, Student Environment Centre, Women’s Centre, Pride Collective, and Pathfinders and find out how UBC students can get involved.
We would like to acknowledge that our event is taking place on the stolen, occupied, and traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam)people.
FEATURING:
4 PM – 5 PM
- WALK THROUGH THE RESOURCE GROUPS SPACE
Mix and mingle with us, and explore opportunities to take part in issues that matter to you!
5 PM – 6 PM
- RECOUNTING 100 YEARS OF SOCIAL CHANGE: THE MAKING OF THE AMS RESOURCE GROUPS (Lev Bukhman Theatre (The Egg), Nest 2nd floor)
Come hear the AMS Archivist, Sheldon Goldfarb, speak about the history of UBC student activism and Resource Groups! Afterwards, join the Resource Groups in a panel conversation about their past, present, and future plans to raise awareness and effect change on social issues relevant to the UBC community.
6 PM – 7 PM
- RECEPTION
Enjoy refreshments, connect with Resource Groups, and share thoughts about social change with fellow bright minds at UBC!
ONGOING (4 PM – 7 PM)
- TIME CAPSULE: Dear UBC Students of the Future… (tentative)
Have some thoughts about the future of diversity and activism at UBC? Record your own video message at our “time capsule” – messages will be archived for the UBC students of the future!
Share the event and spread the word with #AMSResourceGroups and #ubc100!
Our goal for the evening is to bring together the Resource Groups and UBC community, to think about previous and present efforts to bring change to our campus, and inspire student engagement to continue driving diversity at UBC for years to come. We can’t wait to see you there!
Events |
December 16, 2015
To: Faculty, staff and students in Vancouver and the Okanagan
UBC has retained Paula Butler of Butler Workplace Solutions as an independent reviewer to conduct a review of UBC’s response to concerns of sexual harassment and sexual assault raised by some UBC students about a fellow student, which became the subject of media coverage. A report will be ready in February and a summary will be made available to the UBC community.
A number of other initiatives to support the development of a sexual assault policy will be announced in January. Further information will be provided as it becomes available and regular updates will be posted to www.equity.ubc.ca.
As we head into the new year, I would also like to highlight that January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). I encourage everyone to get involved in the 6th annual offering of SAAM, which features events and opportunities to participate in a dialogue about sexual assault and harassment. More details can be found at http://students.ubc.ca/livewell/topics/sexual-assault/sexual-assault-awareness-month
Most importantly for all of our community, I want to remind you about the resources available should you, or someone you know, disclose that they have been sexually assaulted. People are likely to disclose to someone they trust, therefore it is important that each member of our community knows how to effectively refer those who disclose to resources for support, accommodations, and reporting. For students, resources can be found at http://students.ubc.ca/livewell/topics/sexual-assault and for faculty and staff http://www.hr.ubc.ca/health/safety/sexual-assault-resources/.
Sara-Jane Finlay
Associate Vice President
Equity and Inclusion
News and Stories |
December 10, 2015
Story by: Breeonne Baxter, UBC Human Resources
This winter at UBC, our community is celebrating Christmas as well as events and holidays from around the world. Our students and staff reflect a wonderfully diverse range of cultural backgrounds and faith identities and this time of year is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the cultures that make up our UBC community.
Some of the major events at this time of year are already underway. Hanukkah (Judaism) began earlier this week, Winter Solstice (Paganism), Mawlid an Nabi (Islam) and Christmas (Christianity) are in just a few weeks’ time. In February, we will see festivities for Lunar New Year (Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist). To see the full Days of Significance list, visit the Equity and Inclusion office website.
Join us in February 2016 when UBC celebrates the Year of the Monkey in grand style. The UBC Centennial Lunar New Year Festival is a great opportunity for the UBC community to get involved in one of the campus’ largest cultural events.
Ways to Celebrate in the Workplace
At this time of year, there is a great opportunity to celebrate the season together, in a respectful and positive way that includes everyone and can help us all build intercultural understanding.
- Display a multi-cultural calendar in your workplace to raise awareness of important cultural/faith events and holidays throughout the entire year.
- Celebrate all faiths present in your workplace.
- Consider having a New Year’s celebration party instead of a holiday party in December.
- Be flexible with the needs of different staff around faith and/or holiday celebrations.
- In your workplace or at celebration events, bring together decorations and food from the different cultures in your workplace, and encourage staff to share stories about their favourite traditions.
- Be respectful of religious holidays at this time of year when planning events and meetings. Check the Days of Significance calendar for some guidance.
Office Decorations
Here are some tips to make your office decorations inclusive and respectful of all cultures and beliefs:
- Aim to maintain a neutral décor in the front-facing areas of your office
- Ensure your office is accessible and make sure decorations do not prevent or block access to public services.
- Consider how your office might celebrate dates significant to the members of your workplace community. When providing ideas for decorations, you can include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Shinto holidays as well as Christmas. Refer to the Days of Significance calendar.
- Invite staff from all faith identities to be involved in the office decorating discussion.
- Set an agreed upon limit to the number of days that your office will display decorations, and have a discussion about what other times of year you might want to decorate, in celebration of other events.
- Use the holidays as an opportunity to build community within your office, and with the people your office serves or supports.
If you are feeling excluded as a result of office celebrations, you are encouraged to reach out to a colleague or a supervisor and have a conversation about how you feel and how you would like your culture or beliefs to be included. At UBC we should all feel comfortable to share our culture and beliefs with others.
Alternately, you are welcome to contact the Equity and Inclusion Office or your HR Advisor to discuss.
We hope that this advice provides some suggestions on how to foster community and inclusivity at this time of year through encouraging the celebration of our many cultures and faiths on campus.
If you have suggestions or you would like to share your office’s inclusive decorations, please share a photo on twitter @EquityUBCV
Links
News and Stories |
December 4, 2015
We need your help to make the UBC Centennial Lunar New Year Festival 2016 a success!
We are looking for performers, information booths and volunteers. Sign up here.
Date: February 5, 2016
Time: 1-5pm
Location: AMS Student Nest, 6133 University Blvd
FREE ADMISSION!
Learn more about the festival
Join us in February 2016 when UBC celebrates the Year of the Monkey in grand style. The UBC Centennial Lunar New Year Festival is a great opportunity for the UBC community to get involved in one of the campus’ largest cultural events.
In partnership with: Asian Studies, Asian Library, UBC Equity and Inclusion Office, Institute of Asian Research, and UBC Recreation.
News and Stories |
November 25, 2015
A message from Martha C. Piper, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
You may have seen media coverage, regarding UBC being featured in the fifth estate program about sexual assault and harassment on university campuses. We admire the courage of the women who came forward to bring attention to this crucial issue.
I want to apologize to the women in these cases who feel they have been let down by our university. While the university had to wait until it had the necessary facts to take action, I acknowledge that the process took too long. Due process can be frustrating and time-consuming. However, the university reached an appropriate conclusion. As an institution, we are committed to justice for the survivors of sexual assault.
I appreciate the light the women have shone on this issue, and I want to make a pledge. We will begin a discussion with our students, faculty and staff on a separate sexual assault policy that will enable the university to take action in a more timely and effective manner.
We will be reviewing the steps that were taken in these cases to determine how they might have been handled more effectively and expeditiously. As an institution, we are constantly looking at ways to improve our processes to make them more responsive and effective.
We recognize that sexual assault can happen to anyone – not just our students. Support resources for faculty and staff are available.
In addition, there are general resources to support your safety on campus.
Finally, let me be clear – sexual violence is unacceptable and is not tolerated at UBC. Students who have been found to have committed sexual assault following due process will be expelled from the university. Staff or faculty members who have been found to have committed sexual assault following due process will be terminated.
News and Stories |
