Investigation into McMaster's psychology department and sexual violence on campus

For nearly a year, McMaster has been investigating serious allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment involving individuals in its Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB).

On Thursday, the university released a report on the findings of a review into the department. The report found there are systemic and cultural issues within the PNB, including numerous reports of sexual harassment, and a degree of complacency that has let inappropriate behaviours go unchecked.

But while the report into the culture of the department is now complete, investigations into the more serious allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence remain ongoing.

Below is a timeline of the events in 2020 that unfolded leading up to this weeks report.

Feb. 19: Maureen J. MacDonald, dean of science, sends an email to the PNB department and students affected by the situation stating a professor in the department has been suspended and barred from campus following serious allegations that possibly involve a number of university policies, including the sexual violence policy.

March 19: The Spectator obtains a copy of MacDonalds letter and confirms police are investigating Scott Watter, a professor in McMasters PNB department. Watters lawyer confirms his client has been placed on nondisciplinary leave of absence without loss of pay pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged breaches of university policies.

June 18: Police put out a release saying Watter, 46, is facing charges of sexual assault and sexual assault causing bodily harm for incidents that occurred in 2017 involving a female student. Police say they believe there may be other victims.

July 27: McMaster retains Rubin Thomlinson LLP, a law firm specializing in workplace investigations, to conduct a systemic review of the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour.

July 28: McMaster announces its original investigation under the universitys sexual violence and discrimination and harassment policies is being broadened to identify any potential systemic or cultural issues within the department that need to be surfaced and addressed. The broadened investigation is the climate review.

The university also announces it has suspended two more department faculty members. The faculty members are also banned from campus. They are not named, nor is anyone else sanctioned by the university in coming months. The university also does not provide details regarding the allegations levelled against the faculty members, nor does it provide details of allegations against those sanctioned.

Aug. 6: McMaster says a graduate student has been suspended and is no longer allowed on campus. The decision came after new allegations came to light relating to the universitys sexual violence and discrimination and harassment policies.

Aug. 21: McMaster says it has restricted another faculty member from interacting with students after new allegations were made under the universitys discrimination and harassment policy.

Sept. 30: McMaster says a former staff member in the PNB department who now works in another area of the university is on a leave of absence after a complaint about an alleged past sexual assault. The person is also banned from campus. Additionally, a second person who is a current department staff member was barred from interacting with students due to a separate allegation. The university said it was investigating both incidents under the universitys sexual violence policy.

Dec. 3: The university announces the review is complete and releases a report on its findings. The review uncovered systemic and cultural issues, including allegations of sexual harassment and a lack of boundaries between students and faculty, and a degree of complacency that has let inappropriate behaviours go unchecked, the report states.

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On Dec. 24: Watter is next scheduled to appear in court.

Moving forward: The university says that it will implement such measures as additional trauma-informed training for department staff and faculty. For students, it will offer training on sexual harassment, including providing information on accessing support. Equity, diversity and inclusion expertise will be provided to the department. The university will also commit to helping the department build on its research and teaching strengths.

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Timeline of key events in McMaster's investigation in its Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour - TheSpec.com