York University and Mandi Gray have reached a settlement. This is for the human rights case filed against the school for its sexual assault policies.
The Star reported that Mandi Gray, a PhD student at York University, filed a complaint against the school for its policies and protocols. She accused the institution of having unclear and insufficient policies when a student is sexually assaulted by a fellow student or a staff member.
On Monday, the university released a joint statement revealing that the case has been settled. This comes without admission of liability by York University or concession by Gray.
"Although the parties were unable to reach an agreement on many issues, part of the resolution of the [Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario] application is that the university will collaborate with sexual assault centers to provide specialized counseling to sexual violence survivors from the York community," the statement noted. "York University strives to be a progressive institution that believes in social justice and respects Ms. Gray's efforts to bring public attention to the issue of sexual assault and the treatment of survivors."
Other terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Gray also did not leave a comment on the terms of the settlement. She did, however, reveal that more changes are still needed.
Gray filed a case against York University for discriminating against her and for not giving her enough support after she reported a sexual assault. She was attacked by a fellow graduate student and teaching assistant last year.
She revealed that the school's response to her complaint left her feeling "unsafe," "unprotected" as well as "retraumatized." She also did not get enough support from the school's policies.
Her attacker, Mustafa Ururyar, has been found guilty of sexual assault. He is appealing his conviction.
According to CBC News, York University will be collaborating with sexual assault centers to provide specialized counseling to sexual assault survivors. Gray, on the other hand, fears that the new rules may just lead to symbolic changes instead of actually doing what needs to be done in campuses.
