York University assaults: Man arrested, students say campus officials too slow in warning about...

[Aaliyyah]

York University assaults: Man arrested, students say campus officials too slow in warning about attacks

 

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/1223603--york-fails-at-broadcasting-sexual-assault-students-say

 

A trio of sexual assaults at York University has students questioning their safety and the response of campus officials at the university plagued by high-profile security incidents.

 

Police are investigating three alleged sexual assaults that took place last Thursday afternoon near Vari Hall at the Keele campus.

 

One man was arrested Monday night and charged in relation to the assaults. Police said they think there may be more victims.

 

Sociology student Priya Kant said she only heard about the incidents on Sunday when it was reported on the news.

 

“It’s not good at all; it’s scary being here by yourself,” said Kant, who attends night classes. “I would think after the first assaults, this wouldn’t happen. It just shows that they’re not doing anything about it.”

 

York has previously drawn criticism for its reaction to assaults and robberies that have taken place at the university, attended by about 54,000 students.

 

University officials said an internal security bulletin was posted on York’s security website Thursday night and revised Friday after additional assaults were reported. A mass email was sent to students on Monday, four days after the alleged assaults.

 

“We take these assaults, which involved unwanted touching, very seriously. The victims have been offered counselling,” said university spokeswoman Janice Walls.

 

Vanessa Hunt, president of the York Federation of Students, said the university’s news portal, YFile, should have made efforts to notify students online sooner.

 

“Whether or not a thousand students read it, it should be on there,” Hunt said. “It should be publicized. People need to know what’s going on.”

 

She added that while the university did post security bulletins across campus, they could have done more.

 

“We keep pushing. They could really do better for communications with students.”

 

Summer student Maya Menezes only heard about the assaults on Monday. She said she hadn’t received an email or seen posters.

 

“I think it’s a safe school overall and these things could happen anywhere,” Menezes said. “Still, they can take steps to protect us.”

 

York said it was stepping up security patrols in the area where the assaults occurred.

 

Psychology student Paulina Camino said she heard about the incidents through a friend.

 

“You become a little bit more hesitant,” Camino said. “I feel safe but I don’t know how safe it is.”

 

Priya Kant, who is in her final year, said she used to leave her car in a free parking area nearby and hoof it to save on parking fees. She’s not doing that any more.

 

“It’s more money for your safety,” she said. “It’s ridiculous.”

 

Last year, York said, it was beefing up security, including hiring more staff, in response to a safety audit.

 

Oshane Leach, 20, of Toronto, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, two counts of criminal harassment, and two counts of assault. He will appear in court Tuesday morning.

[GaraadMon]

What's up with York? it seems like there's a sexual assault there every week.

[Aaliyyah]

I don't go to that school, but i have went to that campus number of times. So, I think York U is relatively safe. However, these type of incidents are increasing in number so that is somewhat alarming. If you know any girls who go to that school, do advice them to be careful. It doesn't hurt to be cautious.

[Nin-Yaaban]

Carry one of these.....

 

 

It's sure to keep the Qashin away.

[The-freeman]

These kinds of things are not uncommon. I go to Keele University near stoke and last year there 2 girls were raped by non students. As the campuses are huge there is no gate and anyone can just drive in and out.

 

 

Nin-yaaban: tazers and pepper sprays are illegal in the UK.

[Somalia]

The-freeman;849895 wrote:

These kinds of things are not uncommon. I go to Keele University near stoke and last year there 2 girls were raped by non students. As the campuses are huge there is no gate and anyone can just drive in and out.

 

 

Nin-yaaban: tazers and pepper sprays are illegal in the UK.

Do you do a double course at Keele?

[GaraadMon]

The-freeman;849895 wrote:

These kinds of things are not uncommon. I go to Keele University near stoke and last year there 2 girls were raped by non students. As the campuses are huge there is no gate and anyone can just drive in and out.

 

 

Nin-yaaban: tazers and pepper sprays are illegal in the UK.

Yeah, the issue with York University is also it's massive size. I was dropping someone off there last year and could swear I was in a completely different city. There's also the fact that it's in one of Toronto's most crime ridden neighborhoods.

[Nin-Yaaban]

The-freeman;849895 wrote:

Nin-yaaban: tazers and pepper sprays are illegal in the UK.

[The-freeman]

Nin-Yaaban;849910 wrote:

 

LOL - still highly illegal. 5 years for carrying.

[The-freeman]

Somalia;849906 wrote:

Do you do a double course at Keele?

Keele specialises in dual honours degrees. I do international Relations &Politics.

 

PS: this is Keele UK

[Somalia]

The-freeman;849926 wrote:

Keele specialises in dual honours degrees. I do international Relations &Politics.

 

PS: this is Keele UK

That's what I meant. I wanted to do a Science + International Relations on the side but I hate Stoke.

[The-freeman]

Somalia;849932 wrote:

That's what I meant. I wanted to do a Science + International Relations on the side but I hate Stoke.

Keele is actually secluded from Stoke. People graduate without ever setting foot in Stoke. They call it “the Keele bubble". Apply for it, we need more Somalis!

[Aaliyyah]

tazers and pepper sprays are illegal in the UK.

I doubt tasers are legal here either.

 

Ninyaaban good advice though. Qashinkaas wuu istaahila