University probes alleged sexual misconduct by staff

University of Manitoba President David Barnard announced that a number of staff members are on leave due to allegations of sexual misconduct which are being investigated. The announcement came as Barnard stated a commitment to instituting mandatory training for all faculty and staff on sexual violence, consent and power relationships, writes Darren Bernhardt for CBC News.

“Although I can't speak to specifics, I also want to tell you today that there are other investigations ongoing now," he told reporters at a news conference last week. He wouldn't say how many staff members are on leave, which departments they are in, or when the complaints were made. Barnard defended the university against claims that it provided a letter of recommendation for former jazz professor Steve Kirby, who was involved in one of two high-profile incidents involving allegations against University of Manitoba professors in the past year.

Dr Gary Allan Joseph Harding, a former assistant professor and associate dean in the faculty of medicine, recently lost his licence for six months for pursuing inappropriate sexual relationships with two students. “Incidents of inappropriate behaviour at this university have been reported and investigated over the last few years,” Barnard said. “Inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harassment and sexual assault on campus is unacceptable, and, quite honestly, I find such conduct to be horrible and appalling. Today, I am apologising to students who have experienced such inappropriate behaviour. I am deeply sorry.”
Full report on the CBC News site