What role do Western University's fraternities have in ending gender-based violence?

TheUniversity Students'Council (USC) at Western University has tabled a motion to limit itsties with the school's fraternities and sororities.

The consideration comes on the heels of last month's sexual assault allegations, although USC president Zamir Fakirani saysthe two are unrelated.

"Thismotion was a response to students hoping for the USC to formally define our relationship with Greek Life, but was not a response to any allegations of wrongdoing in relation to recent events," said Fakirani.

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The student union doesn't ratify fraternities or sororities as it doesother clubs. But through an informal process, it offersfraternitiessubsidized space in the University Community Centre, supports theirrecruitment efforts and givesa number ofnon-voting positions to fraternity members on council.

That could change when the motion is debated duringthe next council meeting on Oct. 27.

Western University students protest campus culture

3 years ago

Duration 2:08

Thousands of students at Western University walked out of classes Friday to protest misogyny and rape culture, and support survivors of sexual violence on campus. It comes after four women made formal complaints about being sexually assaulted at the London, Ont., university and there have been allegations of many more assaults.

Student perceptions of fraternities

"I've been hearing from students that we should be improving our relationship with Greek Life, but I've also been hearing the oppositethat we should be cutting ties," said Fakirani.

"A lot of it revolves around the role Greek Life plays in promoting the culture we have on our campus, whether that's with respect to drinking or partying, or often times consent," he said."We know that any time and any place alcohol is served, the likelihood of gender-based violence occurring is intensified."

Last month, police made arrests in separate incidents after four students reported being sexually assaulted. The university and police arealso investigating widespread reports ofsexual violence during orientation week that circulated on social media, mainly throughthe video-sharing app TikTok.

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On Friday, police said they have turned up "no formal reports" of sexual violence from frosh weekend, but the investigationremains open and they will continue to gather information.

Jordan Decker, 20, who is studying geography and business, said although fraternities do some good community work, she alleges they perpetuate "a lot of toxic traits on campus."

Although the reports of sexual violence during orientation are still under investigation, and not proven in court,student Kyara Vuorensyrja, 18, who lives in residence, said: "I don't know the specifics of what happened, but basically from what I've heard, the girls that hadbeen roofied were at a frat party. Idon't know if that's true or not, but I can see that happening."

Fraternity response

Since Sept. 21, CBC News has repeatedly reached out to a number offraternity representativesat Western and also to theschool's Interfraternity Council to talk about their role in ending gender-based violence.

No one agreed toan interview. But the Interfraternity Council (IFC), which represents all fraternities on campus, which depending on who you askis between sevenand 11,provided a statement:

"There is absolutely no place for sexual or gender-based violence in our community," reads the text to London Morning hostRebecca Zandbergen.

"The InterfraternityCouncil at Western University stands in solidarity with victims of assault. We will continue our efforts in fighting against sexual violence by continuing to educate our members with the guidance and expertise from accredited organizations who specialize in these issues," the text continued.

"Fraternities have a very important role to play in tackling gender-based and sexual violence on campus,"said Jennie Massey, Western's formerassociate vice-president of student experience.

"I think we have to work with men to unpack gender stereotypes and encourage them to question their understanding of what it means to to be a man."

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Massey also worriesthat because the university doesn't officially sanction sororities or fraternities, it doesn't provide any oversight.

"Fraternities effectively run alongside the campus activities and have a strong influence on student culture," she said."That lack of oversight and accountability can be somewhat of a risk to students and to the university more broadly."

Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted or who is affected by these reports. You can access crisis lines and local support services through thisGovernment of Canada websiteor theEnding Violence Association of Canada database. If your situation is urgent, please contact emergency services in your area.