Queen’s University students who hung sexist signs over the rowdy homecoming weekend will face consequences through the school’s code of conduct, according to Principal Patrick Deane.
“While this weekend’s street parties and other forms of disruptive conduct might be explained sympathetically by some as an expression of the pent-up energy of young people emerging from COVID-19 isolation, no such excuse can be made for acts of sexual harassment or violence, or sexist behaviour of any kind,” Deane said in a statement released Monday.
Two signs in particular have been circulating on social media, displaying misogynistic messaging, including: “Lockdown your daughters, not Kingston.”
I took this photos from other streams. This is @queensu right now in Kingston. “Homecoming” is apparently a time to show your misogyny. Nothing is being done to end sexual violence at universities. @CBC @CTVNews @CP24 @JustinTrudeau @fordnation pic.twitter.com/5fq1BVWla3
— Suzanne Henderson (@Suzanne34930264) October 16, 2021
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Deane said those who posted such signs have already been put on notice that they will be facing a disciplinary process under the school’s code of conduct.
Last week, Deane told Global News that if found guilty under such a disciplinary process, students could face remedial actions all the way to expulsion.
Similar signs have been hung from University District homes in the past, but Deane said this tradition is no longer acceptable.
“If there was ever a time when cultural mores permitted such behaviour at Queen’s, that time has most definitely passed,” he said.
Sexual Assault Centre Kingston said they will be discussing what to do about the signs, and the tradition of hanging them during homecoming, at a meeting Monday.
2:49Town and gown leaders make a plea against large street parties as the first of two Queen’s Homecoming weekends get underway.
Town and gown leaders make a plea against large street parties as the first of two Queen’s Homecoming weekends get underway. Story continues below advertisement
“Also discussing the misogynist banners hung up around student housing this week in (Kingston). Unfortunately (happens) every year without consequences. Why not name those folks as well,” the centre wrote.
This is in reference to the city’s recent emergency order that allows anyone fined under what police deem to be an “aggravated nuisance party” to have their names given to the media.
There were at least two aggravated nuisance parties declared this weekend.
Meeting with Leigh from @KIHInterval today to start planning for Dec 6th. Also discussing the misogynist banners hung up around student housing this weekend in #YGK Unfortunately happen every year without consequences. Why not name those folks as well?? #misogyny #hatespeech pic.twitter.com/QPxeXuJysc
— Sexual Assault Centre Kingston (@sackingston) October 18, 2021
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