Carleton has announced plans to open a sexual assault support centre in the fall, but the future success of this centre hinges on the ability of university administration and student groups to come together.
Ultimately, the centre will be administration-run. But students will design and run peer programs and awareness campaigns with university supervision, according to Equity Services director Linda Capperauld.
Several student and faculty groups have voiced concerns over these plans, accusing the administration of ignoring requests for an independent student-run centre based on peer-to-peer counselling. Some have claimed the centre’s announcement was a publicity move on behalf of the university.
Whether or not this is true, it shouldn’t be the focus of public attention. This isn’t a competition. No matter how you look at it, the creation of a sexual assault support centre on campus is an opportunity to do good, and it should be treated that way.
In light of ongoing campaigns advocating for a student-run centre, the university should respect student demands and make a conscious effort to include students in the final decisions of the future centre. But Carleton’s model for the centre does contain some student input. Student groups like the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre should make an effort to work with the university in every capacity that has been made possible.
Let’s not lose sight of what’s important: this centre offers a space for supporting victims of sexual and gender-based violence. It’s a site for launching campaigns aimed at ending rape culture on campus. Once Carleton’s administration and student groups get on the same page, they can measure the centre’s success on its ability to fulfill those purposes.
