1. Purpose and Commitment

Allpro Truck Training Academy Inc. is committed to providing a learning and working environment free from sexual violence and sexual harassment. Sexual violence will not be tolerated. The Academy will respond to incidents and complaints involving students in a fair, respectful and timely manner and will provide appropriate supports, services and accommodations without fee.

2. Definition

For this policy, sexual violence includes any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether physical or psychological, that is committed, threatened or attempted without consent. It includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation.

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual comments, jokes, gestures, messages, requests, advances, touching, displaying or sharing sexual material, or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Consent must be voluntary, informed and ongoing and may be withdrawn at any time.

3. Scope

This policy applies to sexual violence involving students enrolled at Allpro Truck Training Academy Inc., including incidents connected with the campus, classrooms, training yards, training vehicles, road training, school activities, electronic communications and other school-related environments.

4. Reporting an Incident or Making a Complaint

A student may report an incident or make a complaint to the Administration/Designated College Official at Allpro Truck Training Academy Inc. Reports may be made in person or in writing. In an emergency or where there is immediate danger, call 911.

A student is not required to make a formal complaint or request an investigation in order to obtain available supports, services or academic/training accommodations.

5. Supports and Accommodations

The Academy will appropriately accommodate the needs of students affected by sexual violence without charging a fee. Depending on the circumstances, accommodations may include reasonable changes to training schedules, attendance arrangements, instructional arrangements, access to training activities, or other measures appropriate to the student’s needs.

Students may also seek community support through local sexual assault services, health-care providers, victim services, counselling services, police services or emergency services. The Academy will assist a student with information or referrals where requested.

6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Information about an incident or complaint will be shared only as reasonably necessary to provide supports or accommodations, investigate or address the matter, protect safety, or meet legal obligations. The Academy will respect privacy to the greatest extent permitted by law.

7. Protection from Retaliation

Retaliation, threats of retaliation, intimidation or punishment against a person for reporting sexual violence, making a complaint, seeking support, participating in an investigation, or assisting another person are prohibited. Protective measures may include limiting contact, modifying schedules or training arrangements, or other reasonable measures.

8. Investigation Process

After receiving a complaint, the Academy will assess the information and determine whether an investigation is appropriate. Where an investigation proceeds, the parties will be informed of the process, given a reasonable opportunity to provide relevant information, and treated fairly. The investigator may interview relevant persons and review documents, messages or other information.

A person affected by sexual violence may choose not to request an investigation and has the right not to participate in an investigation that occurs. The Academy may nevertheless be required to act where necessary to protect safety or meet legal obligations.

Students who disclose sexual violence will not be asked irrelevant questions during the investigation process, including irrelevant questions concerning their sexual expression or past sexual history.

9. Decisions and Measures

When an investigation is completed, the Academy will determine appropriate action based on the information available and applicable policies and law. Measures may include education, warnings, restrictions, suspension, expulsion or other appropriate corrective or protective action. Information provided to parties about the outcome will be subject to privacy and legal requirements.

10. Appeal or Review

Where an appeal or review is available regarding a decision resulting from an investigation, the affected party will be informed of the applicable process, including how and when a request must be submitted. Any review will be handled by an appropriate person who was not responsible for the original decision where reasonably possible.

11. Employee Sexual Misconduct

Employees, instructors, contractors and other persons acting for the Academy must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students. Sexual misconduct involving a student is prohibited. Depending on the circumstances, disciplinary measures may include a warning, suspension, removal from student-facing duties, termination of employment or contract, and any other action required by law.

12. Roles and Responsibilities

Owners, directors, managers, instructors, staff, contractors and agents are expected to understand this policy, respond appropriately when they become aware of an incident or complaint, protect privacy, avoid retaliation and direct students to the designated College contact. Students are expected to respect the rights and safety of others and comply with this policy.

13. Training, Publication and Review

The Academy will make training on this policy available to its owners/managers, instructors, staff, employees, contractors and enrolled students as required. The policy will be published on the Academy’s website or, if there is no website, posted conspicuously at each campus. Student input will be considered when the policy is developed, reviewed or amended. The policy will be reviewed at least once every three years and amended as appropriate.

14. Relationship to Other Policies

Incidents and complaints of sexual violence involving students will be handled under this policy rather than the general student complaint procedure. If this policy conflicts with the Student Expulsion Policy, this policy prevails.

15. Administration and Legal Compliance

This policy is intended to operate in accordance with the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 and applicable regulations. The Academy will collect and provide information relating to sexual violence where required by the Superintendent of Career Colleges.