UBC launches consent campaign
The university says statistics show only one in three people in Canada understand the meaning of consent
As six unsolved cases of sexual assault continue to cast a shadow over the University of British Columbia, the school has created a program to educate students about consent.
Two-thirds of Canadians don't understand the concept of consent, said Janet Mee, the director of access and diversity at UBC.
"Consent is more than no means no. It's maybe means no. It's I am under the influence of drugs and alcohol means I can't give consent. It's I am hesitating in any way means I can't give consent," she explained.
The first eight weeks of classes are when students are most vulnerable to being sexual assaulted, Mee said.
"It is important particularly in first-year, where students are vulnerable, to educate students about that concept."
As part of the campaign, a series of digital and printed posters, using emojis to depict various consent myths, will be handed out to students. An information booth will also be set up by the university for students to ask questions.
The university has also organized a talk on exploring sexuality by popular American sex educator, Lacy Green.
UBC's four pillar plan
The consent campaign is part of what the university calls a four-pillar education plan to address and prevent sexual assaults on campus.
- Consent campaign
Teaching first-year students what consent really means.
- Sexual intervention plan
Teaching faculty and staff on how to properly react to the disclosure of sexual assault if approached by a student or staff member.
- Community involvement
Teaching students how they can contribute to a caring and respectful community.
- Happy and healthy environment
Teaching the community about the impact of rape culture and how society shapes that culture.
To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelled UBC launches consent campaign with the CBC's Rick Cluff on The Early Edition.