A professor in McMaster's department of psychology, neuroscience and behaviour has been suspended and barred from campus following "serious allegations" that possibly involve a number of university policies, including the sexual violence policy.

Scott Watter, who runs the Cognitive Science Lab, is under investigation by the university and Hamilton police.

"The university has responded quickly and every measure is being taken to investigate the allegations and to provide support," Maureen J. MacDonald, dean of science, said in an email obtained by The Spectator.

"The safety and security of students and all members of the McMaster community are paramount and, in addition to the suspension, the faculty member is no longer allowed to access campus," MacDonald added in the Feb. 19 message.

McMaster University spokesperson Wade Hemsworth said the dean's message was sent to the department and students affected by the situation.

"The letter contains all of the information we are able to provide," Hemsworth said in an email over the weekend.

In a statement sent by email Tuesday evening, Watter's lawyer confirmed to The Spectator that the professor has been placed on "non-disciplinary leave of absence without loss of pay" pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged breaches of university policies.

"To date, Dr. Watter has not been provided with particulars of the allegations and he does not know whether an investigation by the university actually has commenced," stated Brent Foreman, of SimpsonWigle Law.

Foreman said Watter has "no information to indicate that the Hamilton Police Service has had any involvement in this matter.

"Once Dr. Watter receives the particulars of the complaint, he intends to provide a full and complete response and to vigorously defend himself against the allegations made against him," Foreman stated.

Hamilton police received a report from the university about the case in February, spokesperson Const. Lorraine Edwards said Monday.

"We've commenced an investigation," said Edwards, but noted she didn't immediately have additional details of the case.

McMaster's sexual violence policy defines sexual violence as "any sexual act or act targeting a person's sexuality, gender identity or gender expression whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without a person's consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation."

In her message to faculty and students, MacDonald noted undergraduate courses were reassigned and the faculty planned to work with graduate students to make sure their studies wouldn't be interrupted.

"Although an investigation was launched as soon as the university was made aware of the allegations, it will take some time to fully assess the situation through the proper channels," she wrote.

"We cannot provide specific details of the allegations to safeguard the privacy of those involved," MacDonald added in the message.

MacDonald's message quotes part of the sexual violence policy which states: "All members of the university community have a right to study, work, and live in an environment that is free of sexual violence."

MacDonald advises anyone who needs assistance to consult the university's sexual violence protocol at svpro.mcmaster.ca and the student wellness centre via wellness.mcmaster.ca.

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Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton Area (SACHA) has a 24-hour support line: 905-525-4162.

tmoro@thespec.com

905-526-3264 | @TeviahMoro