Spurred by a report in The Globe and Mail, Nipissing University acknowledges it has subsequently opened an investigation into one of its student-teachers.
The report identifies a chat user going by the handle of “Dank,” who is said to be a member of a far-right wing discussion group in which Dank’s connection to Nipissing was made after a photo posted online contained school materials with the university’s logo visible.
The person using the Dank handle described himself as a University of Toronto graduate attending teacher’s college at another university.
The investigation will look into allegations the student-teacher flaunted his views online and bragged about sharing anti-Semitic messaging with intermediate age students when the teacher was not present.
Included in the online chat material collected by The Globe are posts in which Dank tells of encouraging students to do their own research into events such as the Holocaust.
Nipissing University says no further comment will be given until the investigation is complete.
An email originating from Nipissing, addressed to faculty and staff states the allegations surfaced April 27, when the school first learned about the report.
“The university administration has already taken a number of steps to address this situation. In addition to investigating the student in question, we have been in contact with potential schools in which the placement took place to ensure that we have a comprehensive understanding of what transpired. Further, we have contacted the Ontario College of Teachers to ensure that they are kept apprised of developments. Finally, we will be conducting our own degree audit of the student in question.
“We will continue to strive to create an environment that is inclusive, diverse, welcoming and safe. We want to reinforce that there is no room for bigotry, intolerance, and racism at Nipissing University.”
It is unclear what sanctions the university may take to address the situation. According to Nipissing’s Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Statement of Discipline and Student Conduct reads:
The University reserves the right to terminate, at any time, its relationship with any student whose *disruptive behaviour is deemed to be detrimental to the purposes and goals of the University. All students should be familiar with the regulations printed in the University Calendar as well as specific policies published from time to time.
*Definition – Disruptive behaviour applies to behaviour that persistently or grossly interferes with academic and administrative activities or reputation of the University.
