A ‘demeaning’ sign hung during homecoming sparked a response from the chancellor of NS – Halifax university

Chancellor of St. Mary’s University Francis Xavier said rape culture will not be tolerated at the school after displaying what he said were “degrading and deeply concerning” signs during homecoming.

The sign, painted on a white sheet and hanging in an off-campus home, reads “Drop-off zone: Acadia Girlfriend.”

“Language that objectifies women or trivializes sexual violence has no place at StFX or in any community,” Andy Hakin wrote in a statement to the community and on social media. “We understand the concern and anger this has caused, both within our own community and beyond.”

The incident comes less than three weeks after a rape case at Cornell University in New York made global headlines.

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Liz Leclair, an anti-gender-based violence activist, told Global News that recently there has been an improvement in attitudes towards sexual violence.

“This is part of the culture that was created and perpetuated here in Nova Scotia, about women and girls as property, that you can do whatever you want with us,” she said.

The university said it had to intervene twice this weekend to remove the signs and the matter has now been referred through the university’s disciplinary process.

Leclair said he would like to see accountability taken by the students involved.

“I think there needs to be a public statement made by the young people involved, acknowledging the harm they’ve caused, recognizing the impact it has on women and girls in society,” he said.

Acadia University President Jeff Hennessy also issued a statement condemning the action.

“We thank you [St. Francis Xavier] for the strong stance they took on the matter,” he said. “What happened in Antigonish is a matter for society at large and it is our collective responsibility as institutions of higher education to speak out against violence against women and rape culture in particular.”

Both schools say support is available for those who have experienced sexual violence.

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