SMU names experts on panel looking at sexual violence

HALIFAX -- Saint Mary's University has named the members of a special panel that will look at ways to prevent sexual harassment on its campus in Halifax in the aftermath of a chant that glorified the sexual assault of young girls.

University president Colin Dodds says the panel will recommend ways to change the culture around the issue of sexual violence prevention.

Dr. Wayne MacKay, a professor at Dalhousie's Schulich School of Law and an expert in cyber-bullying issues, was appointed last week to lead the council.

It also includes Laurel Broten, a former Ontario politician who drafted that province's sexual violence action plan; Marilyn More, an outgoing Nova Scotia cabinet minister; and a member of the women's centre at Saint Mary's.

The team of five women and three men is expected to produce its findings by mid-December after consulting with students, faculty and alumni.

Dodds announced the panel after a video surfaced on Instagram showing student leaders singing a chant about underage, non-consensual sex to about 400 new students at a frosh-week event.