Concordia President Says Review is On Its Way

NewsJonathan Caragay-Cook — Published September 11, 2015

The Link previously featured a story about a Concordia University student who is awaiting resolution for a formal complaint made against her ex-boyfriend, who she alleges assaulted her twice on campus.

Cathy (a pseudonym to protect her identity) has had her tribunal postponed indefinitely until parallel criminal proceedings are resolved.

In an interview with The Link, university President Alan Shepard chose not to comment on the specifics of Cathy’s individual case, saying it’s inappropriate because of the complications.

He did say that he’s confident the system in place is working well. He added that many resources exist to assist students who feel unsafe on campus—such as protection by security, mental health support services and the Office of Rights and Responsibility.

“I feel the university is doing a good job providing security,” he said. In a report of the school’s new sexual violence policy released a few weeks ago, it recommended to review the university’s code of conduct for potential issues for survivors. Shepard says it will be reviewed and changed or adjusted by the end of this academic year.

Cathy filed a complaint with the school’s Office of Rights and Responsibility last March, expecting a tribunal within a 20-day period.

The tribunal was eventually delayed until last week. Cathy then received a letter notifying her that it will now be postponed indefinitely, pending the results of the criminal proceedings she is pursuing against her ex.

Cathy said she won’t enroll in classes until her case at Concordia is resolved.