Western University students set to walk out amid sexual assault allegations

Students at Western University in London are set to walk out of class Friday to protest what they call a “culture of misogyny.”

The protest comes after a series of sexual assault allegations surfaced online.

London police say four women have come forward with formal complaints about being sexually assaulted on campus recently.

Police are also investigating allegations made on social media of mass drugging and sexual assaults at the Medway-Sydenham Hall residence on campus during orientation week. However, no formal complaints have been received regarding those allegations.

READ MORE: Reports of sexual violence at Western University during orientation week

One of the protest organizers said the walkout will also protest the University’s response to the allegations. Several sexual assault survivors are expected to speak to students who leave their classes at noon.

Western says it has created a new action plan that will increase safety and security. The plan includes the hiring of new special constables, enhancing security patrols, and implementing in-person sexual violence training for all students in residence.

“This has been a tremendously difficult time for our students and the entire Western community. We clearly have a culture problem that we need to address. We let our students and their families down,” said President Alan Shepard in a message posted on the University’s website on Thursday. “The measures announced today are the first step in a journey to deeply examine the prevailing culture on our campus and identify what more we can do to ensure the safety and security of every member of our community.”

Shepard says these actions are just the beginning steps to ensuring students feel safe.