You are not alone.

You are not alone.

Today, like many Smith School of Business and Queen’s University students, we are deeply disappointed to learn that our University had previously welcomed Chance (Andrew) MacDonald as a guest lecturer on cryptocurrency. As a student body, we support the success of our Alumni - but never at the expense of the members of our community. We cannot fathom the reason that our University would give someone convicted of assault the opportunity to converse and interact with our fellow students. The accomplishments of the offender should never be considered more important than the well-being of the survivor, whether of assault as in this case, or of any other convicted crime.

Our Administration has failed us as students of Queen’s University. They should be aware that this decision impacts our community as a whole and represents a large step backward from assault awareness and the protection of our students, on- and off-campus. Events such as these make us realize how important our decision to support the Sexual Assault Centre Kingston is in helping survivors. SACK not only gives survivors a voice, but gives them the ability to be heard.

“Macdonald, who following his conviction now goes by the name Andrew Macdonald, was initially charged with confining and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in a 2015 incident. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of Assault and was sentenced to 88 days in jail and 2 years of probation.”

At Vogue Charity Fashion Show, we are aware that this may be a sensitive or difficult topic for some. As such, we would like to offer our support. SACK has a number of support systems available, which we would like to take this opportunity to inform you of. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with SACK and for the opportunities they have given us to circulate their important messages and work on campus and beyond at Queen’s University.

We have included links to their services, along with on-campus support services, for use by anyone that may need them.

http://sackingston.com

https://www.facebook.com/shrckingston/

http://amspeersupport.com

http://www.queensu.ca/humanrights/advisory-service/sexual-violence-prevention-and-response

http://www.queensu.ca/studentwellness/

https://www.queensu.ca/sexualviolencesupport/support-and-services

Those who share our concern are encouraged to speak up against our Administration for allowing this event to occur, please do not hesitate to make your voice heard. Each of us are able to help raise awareness on campus by talking to our friends, sharing this post, and becoming the change that you want to see in our community.

For more information on the guest lecturer position granted by the University to Chance Macdonald, click here to read the full news article by the Kingstonist.

VCFS