A professor at a New Brunswick university has been fired following an investigation into inappropriate behaviour.
Crandall University’s board of governors voted Wednesday to terminate the employment of John Stackhouse Jr.
It followed a six-month investigation which was carried out by New Brunswick-based law firm Pink Larkin.
The investigation was prompted by social media posts on an Instagram account called “dobettercrandall” outlining anonymous accusations of inappropriate behaviour by unnamed employees.
It found that Stackhouse allegedly made “inappropriate or sexually oriented” statements to students over a nine-month period in 2021.
Sheila Cummings, who was chair of the board at the time of the initial allegations, has overseen the investigation.
She sent a letter to the university community, co-signed by current chair Douglas Schofield and university president Dr. Bruce Fawcett.
“Paramount at Crandall University is the safety and security of its students. We cannot and will not tolerate behaviour from its administration, faculty, or staff that in any way violates the University’s mission and identity,” they said.
According to the university, the investigation involved dozens of interviews with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other community members, plus an extensive review of documents.
Among the recommendations made as part of the investigation is that Crandall University work to strengthen its harassment policies.
Cummings said the university is also beginning a renewed focus on education and training for faculty, staff and students to help Crandall be the “safest, most welcoming, and respectful community that it can be.”
“The investigation and the subsequent employment action conclude this incident, but clearly all of us at Crandall must work very hard to ensure that we maintain this very special University community at the highest standards,” she said.
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