McGill profs back students in call for investigation into sexual misconduct allegations

Nearly 150 McGill University professors have come out in support of the student union in its call for an external investigation into the handling of complaints of sexual misconduct involving faculty members.

In an open letter to the administration, the professors say they have a commitment to upholding a "learning environment where students feel safe."

"The lack of transparency concerning how complaints are handled against faculty members, who abuse their positions of power in this way, creates a toxic work and learning environment, and often places an invisible burden on other faculty members," says the letter, signed by 148 professors.

The professors urge the university to come up with a clear policy that bans sexual relationships between students and faculty who are in a position to influence their careers. It also asks for a stand-alone sexual violence policy.

The letter says McGill needs to "publicly acknowledge the fact that this issue affects the entire McGillcommunity and the university's reputation."

History professorShanonFitzpatrick, one of signatories,said she'sdisappointed byMcGill'sreactionto the students' complaints.Provost Christopher Manfredisaid in a university-wideemail earlier this monththe administration does not ignore reports of sexual misconduct and every formal report or complaint is duly investigated.

'Shutting down a line of communication'

But Fitzpatrick saidit's clear students don't agree. She feels the way McGillresponded is not encouraging people to come forward.

"It's actively shutting down a line of communication," said Fitzpatrick. "That to megoes against the university's mission of critical inquiry into social problems."

Last week, hundreds of students from McGill and Concordia universities organized a walk-out together. They arguedtheir schools are not doing enough to address complaints about alleged abusive behaviour and sexual misconduct.

The walk-out followed an open letter from McGill's student union at the beginning of April, now signed by more than two thousand students.

McGill's student union said in an email Monday that unless the university responds to itsdemand for an investigation by the end of the day, they will ask the Quebec government to step in.

McGillUniversity did not immediately return a request for commentMonday.