Saint Mary's frosh leaders report bullying after pro-rape chant

Saint Mary’s University frosh leaders who came under fire for leading a pro-rape chant report being harassed and bullied by university faculty, CBC News has learned.

In an email CBC News obtained, SMU’s Office of the Vice President, Academic and Research, said it has received reports of "harassment and bullying" by unnamed faculty members against students involved in the chant.

A 15-second video posted to Instagram nearly two weeks ago shows orientation-week leaders leading a cheer about the purported sexual preferences of Saint Mary's University men.

On a crowded football field they shout out, "Y is for your sister [...] U is for underage, N is for no consent [...] Saint Mary’s boys we like them young."

Reports that faculty have been targeting those involved in the chant have brought condemnation by students like Greg Penney.

"These are professors," said Penney. "These people are meant to be here, not to judge, but to nurture knowledge. If they're crushing these people's future hope in an academic career then that’s outrageous."

Since the university has not received reports about specific teachers, there are no plans for a formal investigation into the matter.

'No means no'

On Thursday, organizers with the SMU Women's Centre spoke out against attitudes that promote rape and the objectification of women.

They were joined by professors, people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and others in the wake of the chant shouted by frosh week leaders that's put the school in the national spotlight.

About 150 people or so attended the rally on SMU’s campus in south-end Halifax.

"No means no. I think a lot of people don’t understand what that means," said Courtney Loveless.

"People don’t understand, if she's passed out or if she’s drunk — or any other circumstances, it still means no."