Protest on Campus Demanding Action from UNB

Allegations of sexual assault are starting to appear on university campuses in New Brunswick. The public is not liking how the schools are handling the assaults. People are protesting to see a change in how sexual assault is being handled.

It started with a senior at Mount Allison University, Michelle Roy. She was sexually harassed during her first year of studies. MTA failed her by silencing Roy and allowing her attacker back in residence. The courageous young women came forward and shared her story on social media. Roy held a protest on MTA’s campus with 400 people attending. This encouraged many other students across the province to come forward.

Miranda Murphy is a former UNBF student, who had left after almost three years of studies because of the lack of consequences her abuser received from the school. Being on campus no longer felt safe for Murphy. She came froward a couple weeks back, sharing her story online. Murphy then decided to follow Roy and hold a protest on UNB’s campus.

The movement has a special place in Murphy’s heart because UNB failed her after reporting her attacker. “I know I’m not the only person who has been put in this position,” said Murphy.

She spoke at the protest on how UNB treated her when coming forward in a meeting with an administration and vice president of UNB. “I went in so optimistic that they were going to see me as a survivor and someone who wanted an education in a safe environment. But I’ll never forget the VP direct quote telling me that I should just get over it – it was at that moment that I decided I was no longer going to be a student at UNB.”

The protest took place on the 13 in front of Sir Howard Douglas Hall. With many guest speakers from different backgrounds – survivors, anonymous submissions read by advocates, student-led groups like UNBSU, associations like the International Students Association NB, political leaders like MLA David Coon, and other groups held in Fredericton.

Murphy started the event by informing people on the purpose and importance of the protest. “We’re here today to stand and support all survivors of sexual and domestic violence and we’re here to shed light on UNB’s failure to protect and support survivors. We’re here to advocate for necessary and radical changes to be made on this campus as well as in society.”

While people are coming forward, several allegations have been brought to light involving the University of New Brunswick Student health Centre. Dr. Manoj Bhargava works part time at the center and has been accused by multiple students of behaving inappropriately towards patients.

A lot of the students who came to protest on campus were fighting for justice to be seen with the misconduct that occurred with Dr. Bhargava. Students want to feel safe on campus, and especially when confiding in a professional.

“I’m devastated to see the level of neglect from UNB,” said the President of the UNB’s Student Union, Sean Mackenzie. He spoke at the protest on UNBSU’s behalf. “We the student union will be working diligently along with out friends at St. Thomas to ensure that students have access to the resources they need and that they deserve.

People are hoping that moving forward changes will be made in the system and students can feel safe on campuses.

During the event, a moment of silence was held to show solidarity for survivors. Til it Happens To you by Lady Gaga played in the background while tears were shed. Gaga too is a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse, her song sheds light on how it feels to be a survivor.

“I just want all survivors to know  that you’re worth is not determined on other people’s actions, you don’t need to hate yourself for something that you didn’t do,” said Murphy.