UBC society rejects sexual abuse counsellor

The Commerce Undergraduate Society at the University of British Columbiahas rejected the hiring of a special sexual abuse counsellor in response to frosh week chants condoning rape.

The university had expected the CUS to put up $200,000to help fund the position after it emerged UBC commerce students were led in a chantabout having non-consensual sex with under-aged girls.

• UBC promises 'lasting change' following rape chant

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

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!'

In a statement, recently elected CUS president Sean Fleming saidthe referendum result is not a reflection on how students feel about addressing sexual violence.

"Students really wanted to participate more in the response, rather than simply contributing financial support, as they recognize this is a long term, community-wide issue and they wanted the response to reflect that," said Fleming.

Robert Helsley, dean of the Sauder School of Business, also issued a statement, expressing his deep disappointment that the referendum on the CUS pledge to provide the funds was unsuccessful.

"I know that the wider community will be disappointed as well," said Helsey.

"This pledge was made by CUS student leaders to strengthen awareness on issues related to sexual violence and the need for a safe and respectful environment for all members of the UBC community."

Tackling rape culture

The pro-rape chant first came to light in September, when it was reportedly sung on a busduring theSauderFROSH, a three-day orientation for theSauderSchool of Business, organized by theCUS.

The chant condones non-consensual sex with underage girls saying, "Y-O-U-N-G at UBC, we like 'em young, Y is for your sister, O is for oh so tight, U is for underage,N is for no consent, G is for go to jail."

UBCpresident Stephen Toopeannounced a series of measures in September aimed at making rape chants unacceptable,including a public apology from CUS and community service for all 84 CUS leaders.

Since then CUSleaders have also completed Anti-Violence Ally Training with the Sexual Assault Support Centre.

These are ongoing issues here on campus and we will continue to seek ways that we can make an impact in addressing them, both as an organization and as individuals Fleming said.

TheCUStakes these issues very seriously and is dedicated to ensuring positive change occurs on campus.

'Pocahontas chant'

The CUS also came under fire earlier in October for the so-called 'Pocahontas chant', which saw frosh week students sitcross-legged in a circle and imitateplaying drums on the ground.

It allegedly included a line that said, "White man steal our land, white man steal our land."

As a result of that controversy,indigenous topics will become part of the school's core curriculum andstudents will participate in workshops involving the First Nations Studies Program.

First-year orientation will also be redesigned to include education in aboriginal issues.