UBC hires investigator to review its response to sexual assault complaints

VANCOUVER – The University of British Columbia has hired an independent investigator to review its response to sexual assault and harassment allegations raised by a group of former and current students.

Three women held a news conference last month to complain that school administrators took a year and a half to act on multiple allegations of sexual assault against a PhD student.

Associate vice-president of equity and inclusion Sara-Jane Finlay says UBC has hired Vancouver labour and employment lawyer Paula Butler to review the case.

Finlay says a report will be ready in February with a summary available to the university community.

The incident exposed the university’s lack of specific procedures to respond to sexual assault complaints, instead relying on a general discrimination and harassment policy.

Finlay says UBC will announce in January a number of initiatives to support the development of a standalone sexual assault policy.