BC updates campus sexual violence rules

Summary#

Bill 18 creates a new law for how public colleges and universities in British Columbia prevent and respond to sexual violence. It replaces the province’s 2016 law with updated rules, clearer definitions, and more reporting and oversight. The goal is to build a culture of consent, improve safety, and make schools more accountable.

• Requires every public post‑secondary school to have a sexual violence policy, post it online, and review it at least every three years.
• Expands what counts as sexual violence, including harassment, stalking, threats, attempts, and tech‑based harms like sharing intimate images without consent.
• Sets goals for prevention, training, safer campuses, and support for people and groups who face higher risks.
• Requires an advisory committee with at least one student and diverse membership to guide the policy and awareness efforts.
• Lets the minister order campus‑wide surveys and sets rules for annual public reporting to school boards.
• Allows schools to share information with a person who files a formal allegation about steps taken and outcomes.

What it means for you#

• Students

  • Your school must have a clear sexual violence policy you can find online.
  • Training about sexual violence must be available to you.
  • At least one student must sit on the school’s advisory committee that guides prevention and response.
  • If you make a formal allegation about a member of the campus community, the school may tell you about interim measures and the outcome.
  • You may be asked to take part in surveys about campus safety and the policy’s effectiveness.

• Faculty and staff

  • You will be covered by the school’s policy and procedures and have access to training.
  • You may be asked to serve on the advisory committee or be consulted when policies are created or reviewed.
  • Annual reports on prevention, response, and outcomes must be shared with the school’s governing board and posted online.

• Survivors and those at higher risk

  • Policies must aim to prevent harm, support a safe learning and work environment, and respond to the needs of groups disproportionately affected by sexual violence.
  • Schools may share more information with you about steps taken and outcomes when you file a formal allegation.

• Post‑secondary institutions

  • You must create, implement, publish, and review a sexual violence policy at least every three years or when directed.
  • You must set up an advisory committee (with at least one student) and make reasonable efforts to reflect B.C.’s diversity.
  • You must consult with campus groups as set out in government regulations before creating or reviewing the policy.
  • You must provide training opportunities, conduct surveys if directed, and publish annual reports.
  • The Act focuses on policies and accountability; it does not create fines or criminal penalties.

• Timing

  • The law takes effect on a date set by the provincial government. Changes will roll out once it is brought into force.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Updates and strengthens the 2016 framework with clearer definitions, including technology‑facilitated harms and threats or attempts.
• Increases accountability through required online policies, regular reviews, advisory committees, and public annual reports.
• Gives government tools (standardized surveys) to measure what is working and compare across campuses.
• Improves transparency for complainants by allowing schools to share interim steps and outcomes.
• Puts prevention first, with training and goals to build a culture of consent and support groups at higher risk.

Opponents' View#

• “May provide information” to complainants is optional; critics say schools should be required to share outcomes to ensure transparency.
• Training only has to be available, not mandatory; this could limit impact on campus culture.
• New committees, surveys, and reporting could add administrative work and costs for institutions without dedicated funding.
• Minister‑directed surveys and rules could feel one‑size‑fits‑all and raise privacy concerns about data collection and disclosure.
• Replacing the 2016 law and phasing in a new one could create confusion during the transition until the start date and regulations are set.