October 2, 2026
Hello Falcons,
Like many of you, I am deeply appalled and alarmed about the details shared regarding an alleged sexual assault at Cornell University in 2024. Reading about this case has been difficult, especially knowing the courage it takes for someone to come forward and share what happened to them.
What also concerns me is the reported response from the university and campus officials. When a student reports sexual violence, they deserve to be heard, supported, and protected. No student should have to question whether their safety and well-being matter.
According to the information shared, no criminal charges were brought against the seven accused individuals, only two were expelled, and one was able to graduate. The civil lawsuit has raised serious questions about how the report was handled and what support was provided to the survivor.
As your FSU President, this weighs heavily on me. Every student deserves to feel safe on their campus and confident that, when they speak up, their concerns will be taken seriously. My heart goes out to the survivor and to anyone in our student community who may find this news painful. You matter, your voice matters, and you deserve support.
As outlined in our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, the FSU, as well as Fanshawe College, agree that all students have the right to a safe and secure campus environment, free from unlawful harassment and discrimination.
As your FSU President, know that I will always stand with survivors of sexual violence, and I condemn Cornell’s dreadful mishandling of this horrific assault.
While this case has drawn widespread media attention, we understand all too well that it is not an anomaly. Rape culture permeates every part of the world we live in, and college campuses are no exception.
If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual or gender-based violence, on-campus support is available through Fanshawe’s Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator. Cases of sexual violence may also be reported to Campus Security Services.
I will share a list of resources and contacts below, which I hope you will all familiarize yourselves with. Each of us has a role to play in dismantling rape culture on our campus, and it starts with how we conduct ourselves right here in our community.
Believe women. Protect survivors. Zero tolerance for sexual violence.
One love,
FSU President Shadé Dias
Resources:
Fanshawe’s Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator
Email: svsupport@nullfanshawec.ca
Phone: 519-452-4465
Phone: 519-452-4430 x14242
Room: D1027, London Campus
Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital
Phone: (Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 519-646-6100 x64224
After hours: 519-646-6100, press “0” and ask switchboard to page the nurse-on-call for sexual assault and domestic violence.
St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Room B0-644 268 Grosvenor Street
London, Ontario N6A 4V2
Anova Support and Information Helpline
Phone: 519-642-3000
The London Abused Women’s Centre
Phone: 519-432-2204
