The one things fall on if things go south
Participant 1: Just as I was entering university, I would have had discussions with, you know, my parents like uncles, you know, with them being Black Nova Scotians- they wouldn't have much faith in this either. They would just emphasize over and over, like, “don't let yourself get put in this position,” because you know, the experience of living in Halifax. They pulling brothers over for no reason up here, you know? So, it's like, we can't really have a lot of faith in these types of processes in this environment that we live in; and that's just how their mindset would be, and this is what they both pass on: “Be aware of your environments.” And that’s sad, but that’s just a reality of life, so.
Facilitator: For sure.
Participant 2: Yeah, I feel ah, like the last participant said- always be aware of your surroundings and everything like that. And, you kind of have to have an eye out, because you're going to be the one that things fall on if things go south. It's sad that that's the reality we live in, but, as Black men ,you know, we're always, in harm's way. So, I think that's, why, like, you know, my parents or uncle's or whatever would tell me - because, you know, growing up in Halifax, there's a lot of white people and a lot of white women. And, it’s no mystery that in the past, women white women have, you know, been the downfall of Black men.
Facilitator: Yeah, for sure, they definitely are. So many unfortunate cases of, you know, things like that happening. So, yes, it's hard for sure. Anyone else have any, any thoughts to that? [Pauses]
Participant 3:Just like the first participant was saying, I totally agree that my family and others wouldn't really have much faith in this. And, regardless of what anyone could do for me, um, in these like policies, they would just like, tell me to avoid putting myself in a situation to avoid this happening to myself. I feel like everyone has a friend or has heard a story of this happening to a Black man. So, it's just like, bound to happen when you allow yourself to be in that situation, in that place and time.
Recommendations
-
When responding to a disclosure or report of sexual violence involving racially or ethnically marginalized students, provide these students with the choice to work with someone who shares their cultural or racial identity or someone who does not.
-
Engage in activities to develop anti-racism as it pertains to sexual violence prevention and response. Apply anti-racist practices in these areas.
-
Including male students across cultures in discussions of sexual violence, gender stereotypes, and stereotypes of masculinity.
-
Address concern around wrongful accusations while developing new policies or training materials.
-
Address respondent rights and supports available to respondents in each of the following circumstances: 1) the investigation into the complaint is ongoing 2) the investigation concludes that the respondent has violated the policy, or 3) the investigation does not conclude that the respondent has violated the policy.
-
Engage with student leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds and genders when revising policy content and associated services. Ensure the concerns raised by these students are foregrounded in policy development and application.
-
Be aware of damaging assumptions about Black and Middle Eastern male sexuality; consider problematizing this form of bias in education and awareness campaigns. In working with students from these demographics in relation to a disclosure or report, demonstrate awareness that such biases exist, and demonstrate intention not to be swayed by such assumptions.
-
When responding to a disclosure or report of sexual violence, highlight that students have the choice to involve support people of their choice, including friends or family members. Offer to reach out to support people if the student prefers. This applies to the victim/survivor or complainant and respondent.