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When Stephanie Hale read the University of B.C.’s new sexual misconduct policy, she had mixed emotions.

The 22-year-old undergraduate had refused to participate in a hearing last November on her complaint of sex assault because it took place under the university’s existing procedures, which allow a panel of students to judge whether an assault occurred. The hearing was held without her.

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Now, after significant pressure from students and advocates on campus, the university has revised its draft policy to allow for highly trained, trauma-informed investigators to handle all allegations of sexual assault made against members of the UBC community.

“I’m sad for myself that I didn’t get to go through a legitimate system that’s going to treat me as a participant,” said Hale. “But I am very glad to know that future victims are going to have a system that’s going to work for them and take their needs and wants into account.”