Canadore’s president has issued a statement to staff at the college involving a human rights complaint and secondly, anonymous allegations against ‘some members of management‘.

George Burton says the third party investigation has started and they’re committed to the principle of due process.

He also says rumour and innuendo are not a sufficient basis for the college to take action in respect of the allegations.

The full statement is below:

“Over the course of the last month there has been discussion about Canadore and our culture in the media and public realm. This is particularly challenging as we enter prime recruitment time for colleges in that the discussion may not accurately reflect the Canadore that you and I know.

For many of you this has been a difficult time and I would like to provide you with an update. By means of background there are two separate and distinct issues that have been raised. The first is a human rights complaint made by a contract employee whose contract was not renewed. The second issue is the anonymous allegations that have been made against some members of management. Particulars in respect of these anonymous allegations were not provided to the College, and the College has been limited in its ability to respond in the absence of anything but vague and generalized rumours.

Let me start by saying that as an academic institution, we support and, in fact, encourage freedom of speech. Tough discussions held with respect, integrity and accountability are a critical component of education and academia. However, equally as important as freedom of speech is due process.

In order to address the recent allegations, we retained an investigator and an independent third party investigation process has commenced. We are committed to the principle of due process and transparency throughout the ongoing investigation. Rumour and innuendo are not a sufficient basis for the College to currently take any action in respect of these allegations; due process must be respected in order to ensure fairness for all involved and as such we have refrained from making detailed comments in the public.

We are aware that there are some members of our community who have expressed concern and apprehension about coming forward with complaints and concerns. It is for that reason that the third party investigator retained by the College has provided the community with her contact information, both phone and email, in order that complaints and concerns can be brought to her attention directly, without involving any College representatives.

As the investigation continues I will provide you, as appropriate, with updates. In the meantime you have my assurance that we are committed to helping ensure that the entire Canadore community feels safe and respected, and that there is a fair resolution to the current allegations.”

 

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