York University mascots stir controversy

[TORONTO] –– Earlier last year, a member of the Students Against Israeli Apartheid posed with the York University Lions mascots, carrying a sign supporting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, inspiring anger from many Toronto Pro-Israel groups.

The university responded by saying that the mascots promote university spirit by walking around campus on a regular basis and posing for photographs when asked. A recent video was released showing York Lions mascots posing with random students, which the university hopes will affirm that there was no political intent behind the photograph.

With files from The Excalibur

UBC scientists receive $3 million to provide job-related training

[VANCOUVER] –– A number of UBC students were granted $3 millions worth in scholarships over six years by The National Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada to prepare them for the workforce.

The award is presented in a form of training programs, which give the opportunity for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students to have more practical training in the fields of science and technology. The two programs Collaborative Research and Training Experience, and ECOSCOPE were given the grant to help bridge the knowledge learned in university with actual job experience.

With files from The Ubyssey

Queen’s drafts new policy on sexual assault

[KINGSTON] –– The draft for a new policy at Queen’s University was released by their Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Working Group (SAPRWG) on June 1 demanding recommendations to the university Senate about inclusion and improvement of the policy already in effect.

In addition to resources available to victims, the new draft includes a list of definitions of words including sexual assault, consent, harassment and misconduct.

SAPRWG aims to present this policy to the Senate in the coming weeks hoping the new amendments come into effect before the start of the Fall semester.

With files from The Journal