Sexual Violence Policy
The Hair Company Academy – Newmarket, Ontario
1. Sexual Violence Policy
The Hair Company Academy is committed to providing its students with an educational environment free from sexual violence and to treating any student who reports an incident with dignity and respect.
The Hair Company Academy has adopted this Sexual Violence Policy, which defines sexual violence and outlines the training, reporting, investigative, and disciplinary processes related to complaints of sexual violence involving its students. This policy applies to incidents that occur on campus, at Academy‑related events, or that involve Academy students.
The person accused of engaging in sexual violence is referred to as the Respondent, and the person making the allegation is referred to as the Complainant.
 

2. Definition of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence means 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. This includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and sexual exploitation.
 

3. Training, Reporting, and Responding to Sexual Violence
The Hair Company Academy will include a copy of this Sexual Violence Policy in every student contract and will provide the policy to all management, instructors, staff, employees, and contractors. All personnel will receive training on the policy and on the processes for reporting, investigating, and responding to complaints of sexual violence involving students.

Any organization hosting students for internships must provide written confirmation that they comply with all applicable legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and that students will have access to relevant workplace policies.

This Sexual Violence Policy will be published on the Academy’s website.

Management, instructors, staff, employees, and contractors must report incidents or complaints of sexual violence to the Academy Administrator upon becoming aware of them.
Students seeking support or information may contact:
Administrator, The Hair Company Academy
227 Main Street South, Newmarket, Ontario
Phone: (905) 235-7900

Subject to Section 4, The Hair Company Academy will keep personal information related to an investigation confidential except where there is a belief that an individual is at imminent risk of self‑harm or harm to others, or where there are reasonable grounds to believe that others on campus or in the community may be at risk.

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Confidentiality will be maintained by:
• Limiting access to complaint information to those who need it for investigation or safety purposes
• Keeping all documentation in a secure file separate from student academic records
The Hair Company Academy recognizes the right of a Complainant not to report an incident, not to make a formal complaint, and not to participate in an investigation.
 

However, in certain circumstances, the Academy may be required by law or internal policy to initiate an investigation or notify police without the Complainant’s consent if safety is at risk.
The Academy will accommodate students affected by sexual violence. Students seeking accommodation may contact the Administrator.

The Academy will assist students in accessing counselling, medical care, and community support services as outlined in Appendix 1. Students do not need to file a formal complaint to access supports.
Students who report sexual violence in good faith will not be disciplined for violations of drug or alcohol policies that occurred at the time of the incident.

Students will not be asked irrelevant or inappropriate questions during the investigation process, including questions about past sexual history or sexual expression.
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4. Investigating Reports of Sexual Violence
Any student may file a written report or complaint with the Academy Administrator.

Upon receiving a report, the Administrator will:
• Determine whether an investigation should proceed and whether the Complainant wishes to participate
• Determine who should conduct the investigation, based on the seriousness of the allegation
• Determine whether the matter should be referred to police
• Determine any interim measures needed, such as restricting access for the Respondent or adjusting course delivery
Once an investigation begins:
• Both the Complainant and Respondent may have a support person present
• The Complainant will be interviewed to gather full details
• The Respondent will be informed of the allegations and given an opportunity to respond
• Witnesses or individuals with relevant information will be interviewed
• Reasonable updates will be provided to both parties
Following the investigation, the Administrator will:
• Review all evidence
• Determine whether sexual violence occurred
• Determine appropriate disciplinary action (see Section 5)
 

5. Disciplinary Measures
If it is determined that the Respondent engaged in sexual violence, disciplinary or corrective action may include:
• Termination of employment (for instructors or staff)
• Expulsion of a student
• Restrictions on access to Academy facilities
• Any other action deemed appropriate
 

6. Appeal
If the Complainant or Respondent disagrees with the investigation outcome, they may appeal the decision within 10 days by submitting a written appeal to:
Director, The Hair Company Academy
227 Main Street South, Newmarket, Ontario
 

7. Making False Statements
Knowingly making a false complaint or providing false information is a violation of this policy. Individuals who do so may face disciplinary action, including termination of employment or expulsion.
 

8. Reprisal
Retaliation or threats of retaliation against anyone who reports sexual violence, provides information, or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Individuals who engage in reprisal may face disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion.

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9. Review

The Hair Company Academy shall ensure that student input is considered in the development of its Sexual Violence Policy and whenever the policy is reviewed or amended.

The Hair Company Academy shall review its Sexual Violence Policy three years after it is first implemented and amend it where appropriate.

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The next scheduled review date is April 30, 2029.

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