UBC's Sauder School to pay for sexual assault counsellor

The Sauder School of Business says it will pay for a special sexual abuse counsellor, after UBC commerce students voted to reject funding for the position, in response to frosh week chants condoning rape.

The university had expected the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS) to put up $200,000to help fund the multi-year program, after it emerged students were led in a chantabout having non-consensual sex with under-aged girls.

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However, student funding for the position was rejected ina CUS referendum on Friday, with only 245 students out of 815 voting in favour of underwriting the position, whichwould haveprovidedstudent education on sexual abuse and violence.

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Sauder Dean Robert Helmsley said he was disappointed with the CUS vote, and that hes now looking for some leadership from his students.

Fifty-thousand dollars has been provided by the CUS already; the other $200,000 will be provided by the school. The university is also contributing some funding," said Helmsley.

"I am very hopeful that in the proposal that will be forthcoming from theCUS, they will find other ways to make a contribution."

The news comes at a sensitive time forthe campus community, as police continue to hunt for a man who hassexually assaulted several women on campus over the last few months.

In recent weeks, some on campus have questioned whether the community takes the issue of sexual assault seriously and some have resorted to putting upposters urgingreaders: 'Don't be a rapist!'

Helmsleysaid the Sauder school is working with others across campus to raise awareness and understanding of such issues and to completely change the culture of the CUS.

He also said he hopes to create a more positive and respectful environment for his students and that thenew counsellor position is already posted and would be filled as soon as a suitable person had been found.