Statement from President Diamond on former faculty member

 

Friday, October 28, 2016 - 9:30pm

This afternoon, OCAD University was informed that Keesic Douglas, a former faculty member, was charged with sexual assault.

Mr. Douglas has not been employed by the university since June 30, 2015.

When the alleged assault was reported to OCAD U, we launched an internal investigation. Upon learning of pending criminal charges, university administration took steps to ban Mr. Douglas from campus and suspended its internal investigation to allow Toronto Police Service to conduct its criminal investigation without interference. OCAD University is fully cooperating with Toronto Police Service.

The safety and wellbeing of our students and community is our top priority. We encourage anyone who may need support in relation to this case to contact our confidential dedicated phone line set up for this purpose, 416-977-6000 ext. 284. It is staffed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. by a member of our Health and Wellness team. Staff may make use of the University's Employee Assistance Program as well.

We are dedicated to working together with survivors, first responders, experts in sexual violence, community organizations and the wider campus community to prevent and respond to sexual assault. The university is engaged in a province-wide initiative to review policies and procedures to increase prevention and awareness of sexual violence on and off-campus and support those who have been affected.

By December 2016 we will introduce improvements to our existing policies as well as a new policy on the Prevention of Sexual Violence in support of the Ontario government’s Action Plan on Sexual Violence. The new policy ensures clear response mechanisms and timelines for addressing sexual violence, and raises awareness for support services.

Anyone who wishes to report information related to this case, may call Toronto Police Service at 416-222-TIPS.

 

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Friday, October 28, 2016 - 9:30pm

This afternoon, OCAD University was informed that Keesic Douglas, a former faculty member, was charged with sexual assault.

Mr. Douglas has not been employed by the university since June 30, 2015.

When the alleged assault was reported to OCAD U, we launched an internal investigation. Upon learning of pending criminal charges, university administration took steps to ban Mr. Douglas from campus and suspended its internal investigation to allow Toronto Police Service to conduct its criminal investigation without interference. OCAD University is fully cooperating with Toronto Police Service.

The safety and wellbeing of our students and community is our top priority. We encourage anyone who may need support in relation to this case to contact our confidential dedicated phone line set up for this purpose, 416-977-6000 ext. 284. It is staffed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. by a member of our Health and Wellness team. Staff may make use of the University's Employee Assistance Program as well.

We are dedicated to working together with survivors, first responders, experts in sexual violence, community organizations and the wider campus community to prevent and respond to sexual assault. The university is engaged in a province-wide initiative to review policies and procedures to increase prevention and awareness of sexual violence on and off-campus and support those who have been affected.

By December 2016 we will introduce improvements to our existing policies as well as a new policy on the Prevention of Sexual Violence in support of the Ontario government’s Action Plan on Sexual Violence. The new policy ensures clear response mechanisms and timelines for addressing sexual violence, and raises awareness for support services.

Anyone who wishes to report information related to this case, may call Toronto Police Service at 416-222-TIPS.