CNC launches Red Phone Project on International Women’s Day
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is kicking off its Red Phone Project on March 8, 2018, to highlight the College’s new Sexual Misconduct policy and procedures training and to promote healthy relationships on campus.
CNC is committed to creating and maintaining a campus community characterized by mutual respect and safety, said CNC President Henry Reiser.
“Safety is a priority at CNC,” he said. “We are joining all post-secondary institutions province-wide to develop and enact our new Sexual Misconduct policy and procedures to ensure that the CNC community enjoys a healthy and safe work and study environment.”
In 2016, the provincial government passed a sexual violence and misconduct policy act, which mandated the creation of policies at all post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.
CNC’s policy, which was formally approved by its Board of Governors May 9, 2017, is the result of more than eight months of research, consultation and community engagement.
The process was led by a committee co-chaired by the Director of Student Services and the Executive Director of Human Resources, with student representatives including the CNC Student Union, and representatives from CNC faculty, operational and administration employees.
Internal training will help CNC employees support students or fellow employees in the case of sexual misconduct or harassment will launch alongside the Red Phone Project, highlighting the College’s red safety phones on campus.
“This policy is a proactive initiative at CNC,” said Kim Swarts, CNC Acting Executive Director, Human Resources. “Though threats to personal safety have not been at issue at CNC, we want to ensure the culture at CNC remains one of mutual respect and safety.”
The March 8, 2018, launch of CNC’s Red Phone Project also aligns with International Women’s Day. The kick-off event at CNC’s Prince George campus will feature an engaging and interactive lunchtime session as guest speaker Lisa Evanoff talks about what a healthy relationship means in today’s world at noon in Room 1-306.
Evanoff has been a strong advocate for safe environments for children and youth for the past 24 years and has spoken to hundreds of thousands of youth across Canada and internationally.
“She is a leader in the Red Cross’ Respect Education program and every day interacts and moves the safety dial forward,” said CNC Wellness Coach Dana Hansen.