University denies role in residence assault last October Support resources and standard security measures are the formal response Mikaela Warkentin, staff
L
ast October, the U of M’s residences were rocked by the assault of a then-U of M student living in the Arthur V. Mauro Student Residence in the early morning hours of the 25th. Garry Junior Edwards, convicted in 2013 of two violent sexual assaults, bypassed residence security measures and broke into the victim’s room. He was apprehended by police later that day, in the 1800 block of Pembina Highway. Edwards has since been arrested and charged with breaking and entering, sexual assault, rob-
bery and attempting to overcome resistance by choking, suffocating or strangling a person. In May, the former student filed a statement of claim alleging that the university in part “created the opportunity” for the assault to take place, due to a lack of enforcement and appropriate safety measures. Further in her claim, the woman shared that long-term effects of the attack include anxiety, depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder and night terrors. For this, she is seeking coverage for past and future healthcare
services, along with general damages, special damages, punitive damages and aggravated damages. The university’s statement of defence rebuffs claims that the victim’s lack of security measures played a role in the attack and claims that Edwards did not exploit “an opportunity created by the university’s failure.” Their defence also claims that the perpetrator alone should receive full blame for physical or psychological harm caused by the attack, and that blame could be shifted onto the former student for “failing to
ensure the door to her room at the premises was locked.” The U of M media relations shared that as the matter is currently in front of the courts, the administration is unable to comment on the claim further. In the months following the assault, around-the-clock security was implemented in the residences. This protocol has shifted for the upcoming Fall semester, to instead have security stationed in the residences from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., seven days a week. Administration shared that this is in addition to the pre-
existing constant security personnel present on the campus, which includes U of M security, private contracted guards, and institutional safety officers. Resources for the U of M community that are recommended by the administration include the Sexual Violence Resource Centre along with a move to remind the community of safety measures individuals can take. The administration also suggests staying tuned for upcoming safety sessions offered by U of M security.
U of M student leaders gather to advance anti-oppression on campus The U of M’s Office of Equity Transformation hosted a one-day forum on Aug. 10 at the Fort Garry campus, bringing together student leaders committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-oppression work. The forum provided a platform for students to share strategies, build networks and strengthen their ability to address systemic barriers on campus. Tina Chen, U of M vice-provost (equity), opened the gathering by setting the community guidelines and its purpose. “The goal was to support a whole range of students, thinking about students who are representing systemically marginalized communities on campus […] students who have been doing work on the ground to advance equity, anti-oppression, social justice, diversity inclusion,” she said. One of the day’s central ses-
News
sions was a plenary conversa- empathy and listening,” and mental racism were carried tion moderated by Kay Mask- emphasized the importance out. These sessions offered iw-Connelly, a former fellow of creating space for First student leaders opportunities in the Fellows in Equity, Nations communities to lead to deepen their understandAnti-Oppression and Social their own strategies of resili- ing of structural inequalities Justice program, cohort 2. The ence. and sharpen their leadership featured speaker, Kristin WitThe forum’s approach skills. Samiat Oni, an attendee wicki, master’s student at the extended beyond traditional University of Winnipeg, drew panels. Students were invited and incoming fellow of cohort connections between environ- to engage in creative and par- 3 of the fellowship program mental change and social jus- ticipatory activities. Ralph found these workshops as a tice. She focused on the dis- Bryant, creator of the Love moment of discovery. “One proportionate subject I really impact of clilearned about “Change starts from empathy and listening” mate change for the first on Indigen— Ethan Wong, president of the U of M Book Society time today was ous and First accessibility in Nations coma deeper sense, munities, stressing the need Notes Campaign, led an inter- not just physical accessibility, to prioritize their leadership active session on mental but also digital, academic in crafting responses. health. Participants reflected and social accessibility.” She For some of the partici- on their personal experien- added, “I hadn’t fully realized pants, this session was the ces with mental wellness and how many barriers can exist highlight. Ethan Wong, presi- crafted messages that will in areas like course design, dent of the U of M Book Soci- later circulate across U of M event planning or even everyety, said it “highlighted a con- campuses as part of an aware- day communication, and how nection between sustainabil- ness campaign. these can unintentionally ity, climate change and equity Concurrent workshops exclude people.” that is often overlooked.” He which addressed intersectionThe forum created a space added, “change starts from ality, ableism and environ- for dialogue on representation
4 Editorial
9 Comment
Arts & 11 Culture
and recognition. Participants reflected on the visibility of student-led equity initiatives, particularly in the university’s photo library and communications. Chen acknowledged the concern, saying, “We heard from a lot of students that also felt that they were doing the work, but maybe the university was not seeing their work.” She added, “We wanted to make sure that we were engaging them and coming with a way to bring people together to network and be supported in that work.” Chen also pointed out the Fellows in Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice program as a cornerstone of her office’s efforts. The ninemonth initiative has supported two cohorts of students and will launch its third this fall. She said the program “is a huge highlight, not just for Cont’d p. 3 / the
12 Sports
<
Roy Albright Obah, staff
15
Stay sharp
Pests of pestilence
Feel it in the air
Film review
Preparing for kickoff
Get hooked on boxing with Pan Am student promo
Vector-borne diseases and the hand humanity has played
Sometimes summer sunshine only gives you the blues
There is a lot to be learned from dead poets and 80s movies
Bisons football coach shares insights as new season approaches
August 27, 2025
SINCE 1914
VOL. 112, NO. 03