Silence from Queen’s administration lets rape culture prosper

Former professor’s dismissal another example of Queen’s shying away from conversations about sexual violence

Caroline Law

Contributor

This article discusses sexual assault and may be triggering for some readers. While The Journal uses “survivor” to refer to those who have experienced sexual assault, the author uses the word “victim.” We acknowledge neither term is universal. The Kingston Sexual Assault Centre’s 24-hour crisis and support phone line can be reached at 613-544-6424 / 1-877-544-6424.

At surface level, Queen’s presents as a vibrant and welcoming institution—but underneath lies consistent efforts to forget its darker secrets. This is particularly evident in the University’s attempts to conceal the problem of sexual violence.

Despite purveying a vigilant approach to tackling sexual assault, datasets, policies, and survivor’s stories suggest Queen’s has been negligent in solving this issue.

A recent example is the University’s handling of Professor Kate Rocklein’s situation.

Rocklein was fired from her administrative role last September and suspended from teaching in November. Administration explained she was let go for poor performance, but Rocklein alleged in interviews this decision was likely the outcome of her teaching students about the prevalence of sexual assault on campus.

Earlier that semester, Rocklein said she was admitted to KGH after being drugged and knocked unconscious after a staff function.

Rocklein’s suspicious dismissal suggests Queen’s priorities lie in protecting their reputation more than the safety of their students and staff. to choose between safety or having regular fun—not to mention that incidents of sexual assault aren’t confined to social gatherings.

By allegedly firing the professor, Queen’s abdicates any responsibility in the matter , and protects its reputation. In ignoring Rocklein’s claims of violence, the University suggests it doesn’t care about instances of sexual violence in the Queen’s community—putting its students and staff in further jeopardy.

Rocklein’s alleged discrimination comes in a post-pandemic era where students are regaining social freedom. This results in increased engagement in party culture, and by extension, a heightened threat of sexual assault.

While some might view Kingston bars as hunting grounds for predators, date-rape drugs can be found within residence halls and house parties. This poses an urgent risk to students within the comfort of their own homes, and at the hands of their peers.

Sexual assault has become a common experience at universities. One in four postsecondary women have experienced rape or been the victim of an attempted assault.

Queen’s might not officially affiliate itself with the downtown bar scene and party culture, but it’s clear the Kingston community depends on students to keep businesses afloat.

As such, the University has a duty to protect students in environments where there’s risk of sexual violence. Academic institutions should hold perpetrators accountable with a zero-tolerance policy.

The effects of sexual assault on health and wellbeing are numerous. They include but aren’t limited to psychological distress, addiction, and chronic health conditions, all of which hinder students’ ability to flourish in demanding university settings.

While Queen’s provides high quality education, it must also protect its students and foster an environment where they can excel while feeling safe.

After a long week of studying and late library nights, it’s a necessary source of relief for many students to go out with friends to blow off steam. This fun is too often tainted by the threat and occurrence of sexual violence.

Students are more likely to find themselves victims of sexual violence in environments with alcohol, where the intoxication and diminished self-control increases their vulnerability.

Though Rocklein’s reported assault didn’t occur in an academic hall, by neglecting claims that don’t appear school-related, Queen’s perpetuates an ongoing rape culture that indicates it values its reputation over its students.

A 2018 research survey on sexual violence in Ontario universities found Queen’s has the fourth highest rate of sexual assault, with 30.8 per cent of student respondents indicating they experienced sexual assault in the 2017-18 academic year.

The inability to prevent recurring and escalating rates of assault reflects poorly on the University.

Perhaps Queen’s doesn’t want to draw attention to elevating numbers of assault complaints. Nonetheless, the University needs to get over its embarrassment and do right by its community.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. Ideally, institutions must strive towards addressing toxic masculinity —a root cause of rape culture and violence against women. They must also wholeheartedly believe and support survivors.

In the meantime, smaller tangible policy changes can create substantial improvement.

There are many ways Queen’s can end the culture of silence around sexual violence on campus and become proactive in its efforts to prevent this in the future. Improving policies to reduce the barriers and stigma of reporting sexual violence is a vital first step.

Website updates are imperative in improving seamless accessibility to support services. The site is extremely difficult to navigate, uses lengthy jargon, and focuses primarily on legal resources instead of mental health support.

The issue of rape within party culture is prevalent across Ontario universities. In September 2021, approximately 30 women were drugged and assaulted at the University of Western Ontario during orientation week.

Extensive research has proven that in all postsecondary contexts, there’s an inextricable link between substance use, party situations, and sexual assault.

The danger of assault could be avoided if students refrained from partying.

However, not only do many enjoy this social aspect of university, there is also mounting social pressure to engage in party life. Many feel their self-worth and social standing is bound to these events.

It simply isn’t fair to ask students

Queen’s is already equipped with a Sexual Violence and Prevention Policy (SVPR), which claims to “prohibit sexual violence, and provides non-judgmental safety planning and support.” While the policy informs students of resources available to them both on and off campus, it still raises concerns.

One significant concern centres around the procedure for anonymous complaints. The SVPP indicates the standard investigation methods for complaints are not applicable to anonymous reports. These reports are instead referred to Campus Security and Emergency Services for assessment and response.

Many victims feel uncomfortable revealing their identity—it’s inconceivable the only listed solution for anonymity is to pass the responsibility onto another service.

Simplifying the website’s information will increase accessibility and allow survivors to access urgent help without obstacles.

First-years and other incoming students are especially vulnerable. To ensure their safety, the University should implement mandatory orientation courses on safe participation in party culture. By providing neutral thirdparty support, the University can eradicate the shame that silences survivors and allows rape culture to prosper. Only then focus can shift towards the process of justice and healing.

Most importantly, Queen’s needs to get comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations. This means engaging in the tough conversations that can dismantle long-entrenched rape culture that hinders student success and violates the sexual integrity and freedom of far too many.

Caroline is a third-year sociology student.