I am writing because of the concern I have about the sexual assaults occurring at not only the UBC campus, but other campuses in British Columbia as well.
Universities (such as UBC, UVic) are mishandling these sexual assault cases because they fear backlash. If a student is expelled, the case can tarnish the reputation of the university.
Furthermore, since a school is often seen as a safe place, having students charged with sexual assault can change that perception (especially at campuses with dorms and other living accommodations).
This is why many schools do not have sexual assault policies. It is absurd because this is a criminal offence. UBC is one of the best universities in the world, yet it still has not addressed a problem that has every student on campus scared to walk alone at night.
Manjot Litt
Surrey