‘Vague’ rumours and innuendos are insufficient grounds to take action against a senior college administrator, Canadore president George Burton said Friday in an email to staff, which also was sent to the media.

Burton sent the email just prior to the planned Rally for a respectful Canadore workplace.

Organizers, including several women who have testified to a third-party investigator hired by the college, are demanding the staff member under investigation for inappropriate behaviour be placed on administrative leave until the allegations against him are substantiated and dealt with or dismissed.

“We are committed to the principle of due process and transparency throughout the ongoing investigation,” Burton responded. “Rumour and innuendo are not a sufficient basis for the college to currently take any action with respect of these allegations; due process must be respected in order to ensure fairness for all involved and, as such, we have refrained from making detailed comments in the public.”

Conceding that it has been a “difficult time” for college staff, Burton offered an update of the situation.

“By means of background, there are two separate and distinct issues that have been raised,” he explained.

“The first is a human rights complaint made by a contract employee whose contract was not renewed. The second issue is the anonymous allegations that have been made against some members of management.

“In order to address the recent allegations, we retained an investigator and an independent third-party investigation process has commenced. We are committed to the principle of due process and transparency throughout the ongoing investigation.”

Burton said Canadore is aware there are some members of the college community who have expressed concern and apprehension about coming forward with complaints or concerns.

“It is for that reason that the third-party investigator retained by the college has provided the community with her contact information, both phone and email, in order that complaints and concerns can be brought to her attention directly, without involving any college representatives.”

Burton said the college has been limited in its ability to comment publicly in the “absence of anything but vague and generalized rumours.”

As an academic institution, Canadore “supports and, in fact, encourages freedom of speech,” Burton said.

“Tough discussions held with respect, integrity and accountability are a critical component of education and academia. However, equally as important as freedom of speech is due process.”