Students subject to non-academic misconduct for misogynistic homecoming signs
Over Queen’s homecoming weekends, misogynistic signs were found posted in front of student houses. Amidst conversations of sexual violence on university campuses, the signage displayed was baffling to the Kingston and Queen’s community alike.
During October Senate, Principal Patrick Deane said signs were taken down immediately at the request of campus security. He added that students who put up signs would be dealt with under Queen’s sexual violence and assault policy.
“As conveyed by Principal Deane on October 18, 2021, the University will not tolerate acts of sexual harassment or violence, or sexist behaviour of any kind,” Mark Erdman, manager of community relations and issues, wrote in an email to The Journal on behalf of the University.
“The University can now confirm that a number of students have been referred to the Student Conduct Office and those cases are being reviewed. The process is a confidential one.”
Violations of the sexual violence and assault policy as well as instances of non-academic misconduct are handled by the Student Conduct Office.
According to Erdman, the length of the non-academic misconduct process depends on the case, the people involved, and the timing of information received from community partners.
“The range of outcomes for each case are unique and proportional to the activity in question,” Erdman said.
“Some cases may be resolved in two to three weeks, while some may take a full academic term or longer.”
The Student Code of Conduct is based on a restorative framework, according to Erdman. Students involved will have a fair hearing by an unbiased decision maker following due process. Students will have the opportunity to defend the case against them and have representation if they so choose.
“In regard to actions being taken by the AMS, the misogynistic signs were beyond a level 1 non-academic misconduct,” Maddie Zarb, director of communications for the AMS, wrote in an email to The Journal.
“The university is handling the matter and the AMS judicial affairs office is not involved.”
