Students call for York University to commit to concrete safety solutions
after another violent sexual assault

TORONTO, April 21 /CNW/ - Students condemn a violent sexual assault that took place near York University's Keele campus last night. The assault has prompted students to again demand the York administration release its long awaited safety audit report and to commit to implementing concrete safety solutions.

"Sexual violence is sadly becoming an all-too-common event around York University's campus," said Darshika Selvasivam, Vice-President of Campaigns and Advocacy for the York Federation of Students. "How many more women are going to have to survive sexual assault and rape before the York administration takes real action to protect women on and around campus?"

The attack occurred in an area where thousands of York students reside, adjacent to the campus' academic buildings and residences. "Clearly, York's Go Safe services in The Village are not enough to ensure the safety of York students once they've left campus," said Krisna Saravanamuttu, President of the York Federation of Students. "Students need their administration to take action immediately to stop any more sexual assaults from happening to members of our community."

In 2008, students' calls for a safety audit led to the appointment of the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC) by the University Safety Audit Committee to undertake the task. Unfortunately, after months of stalling, York has yet to release METRAC's final report, keeping the safety of York students, staff and community members at risk.

"The York University administration must stop dragging its feet on releasing the results of the METRAC report," Selvasivam said. "The York administration has a responsibility to students living both on and around campus, and must take swift action to ensure that every student lives and studies in an environment free from fear and violence."

For further information: Darshika Selvasivam, Vice-President of Campaigns and Advocacy for the York Federation of Students: [phone]