New information about Alaa Abd-El-contract Aziz’s renewal conversations has emerged.
The UPEI Board of Governors has launched a third-party investigation into allegations of “workplace misbehaviour” involving the university’s former president, Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.
Abd-El-Aziz resigned from his post as dean of students on Tuesday night, effective immediately, citing health issues in a letter to the university community.
In an email to the UPEI community on Wednesday, board chair Pat Sinnott stated the board had learned about claims of workplace misbehaviour on Monday and presented them to Abd-El-Aziz that same day.
“The university’s comprehensive Fair Treatment Policy has been invoked,” the email said, adding that “the board will also conduct an independent, third-party assessment to determine the facts underlying these accusations.”
“When that evaluation is completed, the board will respond in a manner that is consistent with privacy and openness requirements.”
The board, according to Sinnott, takes these issues seriously and will remain focused on assisting kids while the study is underway.
The email stated, “The University of Prince Edward Island is dedicated to fostering a secure, respectful, and good environment for all members of the UPEI community.” “The actions we’re taking demonstrate that commitment and will ensure that UPEI’s principles are represented in all we do.”
Allegations made previously
The university’s board has not publicly acknowledged any difficulties with Abd-El-Aziz since 2013 when it negotiated settlements with two workers who had filed sexual harassment complaints with the P.E.I. Human Rights Commission.
The accusations featured “inappropriate comments,” according to the board of governors chairman Tom Cullen at the time.
When Abd-El-contract Aziz’s was up for renewal in 2015, the P.E.I. Advisory Council on the Status of Women was among the community groups and individuals who expressed concern about what had led to the settlements. When the board of governors asked for an opinion, they wrote down their worries, stating that an individual in a state of authority should be held to a higher standard of conduct.
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