Human rights complaint moves forward against Vancouver Island University

Human rights complaint moves forward against Vancouver Island University
CHEK

Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. Photo courtesy Times Colonist.

Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. Photo courtesy Times Colonist.

A Human Rights Tribunal is moving forward as a class complaint into whether female employees and students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo were adequately supported and protected from alleged sexual threats made by a male student.

The complaint was first brought forward by VIU’s former director of human rights and workplace safety Katrin Roth.

The complaint alleged women at the school were threatened by the man’s infantilist sexual fetishes.

A Globe and Mail report in November said the student, described as being in his forties, “wished to be treated like an infant, wearing a soother around his neck, talking in a baby voice and submitting an assignment that included a photo of him in a diaper.”

The incidents occurred between 2015 and 2017.

The complaint was originally not accepted by the Tribunal but issued a procedural decision based on additional material provided by the complainant.

The Tribunal has accepted aspects of the complaint for filing and has set out conditions that must be met before it can proceed.

In a statement, VIU says it has not received materials that were submitted and has not had an opportunity to respond.

The matter is in the preliminary stage and the Tribunal will not make a decision until evidence is presented at a hearing.

Andy NealAndy Neal

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!