Article content continued

“It’s a step in the right direction in terms of the conservation of students’ safety,” he said. “The code changes aren’t meant to be for open liquor (offences). It’s only for very severe offences.”

While changes to the code may not be the “magic” solution to put an end to the Broughdale troubles, Western officials say they hope they have taken “one more step” to resolving the issues.

“This is really about a culture shift and a shift in culture takes time,” said Lynn Logan, vice-president of operations and finance. “We don’t want to get in the way of students having fun, but it needs to be done in a safe environment.”

Logan also acknowledged any academic sanctions handed out by the school could be challenged in court.

“We know it will be tested — and we don’t know if it will stand up until it is tested — but we have certainly taken every step possible to do our due diligence,” she said.

What others said:

Sam Trosow, local resident

“The Broughdale Community Association has been working on this issue for years. To not be included in this task force (formed to deal with the issue) is such a slap in the face. We watched this neighbourhood deteriorate over the years and watched permanent residents move out. They (university officials) talk about their community partners, (but the university) is being very selective about who their community partners are.”

What Western students said:

Emily McCurdy, third-year student

“They are sheltering us too much. We are adults, we are able to make our own decisions. They are limiting how we celebrate homecoming. People are rebelling and doing a lot more harm than during the original homecoming. I understand we represent Western on and off campus. They shouldn’t decide for us what we can do on and off campus.”

May Hammad, master’s student

“There are other ways of punishment, so why does the school need to punish you as well?”

Moustafa Elbahrawi, master’s student

“It doesn’t make sense. If you are punished by the police, your school shouldn’t punish you as well.”

Ahmed Shishani, fifth-year student

“It should depend on what offence it was. If it was a very serious offence, it would warrant a serious reaction academically. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. The university would have to set very specific guidelines.”

HRivers@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/HeatheratLFP