Archived questions and answers

Any action taken by Dalhousie must follow a just process. The process must be consistent with the law and university policy, and support the rights of everyone involved. We will take the time required to make informed decisions after careful consideration of the facts and the options available for resolution.
(January 5, 2015)

The university has made clear that there will be consequences for this offensive behaviour. There are a number of potential consequences under university policy, up to and including removal of students from the program. At this stage, Dalhousie has only outlined processes for moving forward, not any specific outcome.

It is critical that any consequences for the students be determined through a just process.  That process must comply with the law and university policy, and support the rights of everyone affected.
(January 5, 2015)

The university’s response continues to consist of four initiatives, aimed at addressing both the specific incident and its broader implications:

1. The Restorative Justice (RJ) process, which is proceeding under Dalhousie’s Sexual Harassment Policy. In this process, the men work directly with their classmates and others to understand the harms caused, to accept responsibility and to repair the damage.

2. The Academic Standards Class Committee (ASCC), which has responsibility and authority for determining when each student has met the academic and professional standards for graduation. They are also the committee that suspended the male students from clinic, and have the authority to determine the conditions under which the suspension is lifted.

3. The Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry, led by Professor Constance Backhouse of the University of Ottawa. The Task Force is conducting an independent investigation into the culture in the faculty of Dentistry, and is reviewing Dalhousie’s existing policies which address misogyny, sexism and homophobia.

4. Dalhousie’s Strategic Initiative on Diversity and Inclusiveness, an existing Strategic Priority at Dalhousie that was given new urgency by this incident. Led by Dean Kim Brooks, a preliminary report based on extensive community consultation is expected this week.

(updated March 2, 2015)

The students who came forward and wished to pursue action under the Sexual Harassment Policy chose to proceed with restorative justice, understanding this is a complex, evolving process and there are other potential parallel processes which could occur simultaneously or in conjunction with restorative justice. (See question 5 for more details on the outreach process.)

As of March 2, the restorative justice process involves with 29 members of the DDS2015 class (including 14 women, 12 members of the Facebook group, and three other men).
(updated March 2, 2015)

The work to consider an appropriate process was already underway when the material was made public via the media on Monday, December 15. Given the understandable concern from our communities, the university committed to publicly communicating next steps for addressing the allegations within the next 48 hours.

During that period, university administrators focused on contacting those women who were identified in the most recent of the Facebook posts available to the university. Five female students were identified in those posts and the university contacted all of them. After discussing the different options available to them, four of the five students elected to proceed with a restorative justice process under the Sexual Harassment Policy’s informal resolution procedures. All five had seen the Facebook posts in question before making any decision. The 13 men involved were also approached at this time.

Following the announcement of the restorative justice process on December 17, the university’s restorative justice facilitators further investigated earlier posts from the group. Through that process, more women named in the posts were identified and contacted. The facilitators came to the conclusion, based on this process, that it was appropriate for the entire fourth-year class to be invited to participate in the restorative justice process. Also during this time period (Dec. 17-Jan 4), other developments occurred, including a formal complaint filed under the Code of Student Conduct that is under consideration, and the decision on December 22 by the Academic Standards Class Committee to suspend the 13 male students from clinic and consider the matter from the perspective of professional standards.

In light of these developments—the additional processes initiated and the expansion of restorative justice participation—the restorative justice facilitators needed to ensure all parties who were invited to participate in restorative justice were fully aware of all developments and fully consented to participation. On January 5, when all had returned to campus, the facilitators briefed the fourth-year class on the restorative justice process. They provided the opportunity for all women identified in the Facebook group to see the posts made about them individually, and offered the balance of the class the opportunity to see all posts in the Facebook group (with women identifiers redacted).

All participants were also presented with a participation agreement for the restorative justice process, which they were asked to sign and return. As of March 2, the restorative justice process involves with 29 members of the DDS2015 class (including 14 women, 12 members of the Facebook group, and three other men).

All of these efforts reflect the university’s commitment to a just process — one consistent with the law and university policy, and which supports the rights of everyone involved. We will take the time required to make informed decisions after careful consideration of the facts and the options available for resolution.
(updated March 2, 2015)

This matter was first brought to the university’s attention on Monday, December 8 from an affected student. The work to consider an appropriate process was already underway when the material was made public via the media on Monday, December 15. Given the understandable concern from our communities, the university committed to publicly communicating next steps for addressing the allegations within the next 48 hours. During that period, many of the women who were the subject of the comments, as well as members of the Facebook group, came forward. It was during this time that some women who decided to pursue action under the Sexual Harassment Policy elected to proceed with the restorative justice process, which began immediately at that point and is ongoing.
(updated January 5, 2015)

We understand how frustrating this situation is for everyone, given the offensiveness of the Facebook comments in question and the tremendous affinity we all feel for Dalhousie and the Faculty of Dentistry. This is a very complex matter, and we must take the time necessary to gather information, follow a just process and to make informed decisions.

Crucially, much of the work under the policies involved is confidential, for the protection and support of the individuals involved, so at many points we will be limited in the information we are able to provide. As the process moves forward, we promise to continue to share information as we can without limiting options for a meaningful outcome.

Absolutely. We recognize that what has happened is not isolated to one Faculty or just to Dalhousie University. It is a complex societal issue in which we must fully engage and play a leadership role. We have a responsibility to create the space for this conversation to occur, and we take that responsibility seriously. The journey towards a safer, more respectful culture at Dalhousie and beyond will be neither short nor simple, but this work is underway.

On January 9, President Florizone announced that he has launched an independent task force that will investigate the environment within the Faculty of Dentistry, to be led by Professor Constance Backhouse of the University of Ottawa. He also announced that Kim Brooks, Dean of the Schulich School of Law, will lead Dalhousie’s strategic initiative on diversity and inclusiveness, in partnership with the Dalhousie University Senate, focused on nurturing an inclusive and respectful community at Dalhousie University.
(updated January 9, 2015)

Any student or employee can make a complaint of sexual harassment against another student or employee. As well, anyone may anonymously seek the advice and assistance of the advisor, harassment prevention/conflict management in the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Harassment Prevention. Many of the options for informal resolution under the Sexual Harassment Policy allow for the anonymity of the complainant to be maintained. However there are situations in which information has to be made available to the person who is the subject of the complaint (including the names of the individuals involved) so they can respond appropriately.

The Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry will be reviewing Dalhousie’s policies with recommendations on how they can be improved. The task force has been asked to consider what policies and practices could be put in place to permit University administrators to investigate anonymous complaints of harassment and discrimination.
(January 13, 2015)

No, the Facebook group in question was first brought to the university’s attention on Monday, December 8 from an affected student. There have been media reports about conversations between the DSU and President Florizone last summer. The issue discussed in those conversations was referred to the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention, and it was not connected with the Facebook group.
(January 13, 2015)

This is a very complex matter, and we must take the time necessary to gather information, to follow a just process and to make informed decisions.

The ASCC made its decision to suspend the 13 male students on Monday, December 22. Key individuals were away until December 21 and needed time to carefully review information before determining the suspension from clinical activities. The decision was shared with the students on January 5 to ensure appropriate in-person support was available to them when the suspension decision was delivered, including information, counselling and other support services.

President Florizone announced his intention to launch the task force on December 17, with a commitment to share details in the coming weeks. Reviewing the facts involved, Dr. Florizone announced on January 9 that the task force would focus on the Faculty of Dentistry and be external to the university, led by Constance Barkhouse of the University of Ottawa.
(January 13, 2015)

In addition to information already in the university’s possession, each of the processes underway to address this situation includes a fact-finding component. The Academic Standards Class Committee will elicit evidence in its consideration of the matter. Investigation and inquiry is also part of the restorative justice process. The Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia will be reviewing documents, conducting interviews and reviewing submissions related to the issue. Through all of these, we should obtain a fuller picture of what happened—including the broader context.
(January 17, 2015)

Dalhousie has been cooperating with HRP on this matter. The University shared information requested by Halifax Regional Police (HRP) on January 14. On January 15 HRP communicated that, in its review of the material, it did not observe anything to suggest a crime had occurred. HRP will not be commencing a criminal investigation into this matter. (Read the HRP release.)
(January 17, 2015)

It is our understanding that any reference to not using restorative justice in Nova Scotia is around cases involving sexual and intimate partner violence. We are not aware of any information suggesting this is the situation in this case.

Restorative justice is a common approach used in a wide variety of situations. It is used in Nova Scotia’s criminal justice system, in the province’s P-12 and post-secondary institutions (including Dalhousie) and by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
(updated January 5, 2015)

No. The two processes can work alongside or in conjunction with one another. The university confirmed on Friday, January 9 that the restorative justice process was proceeding with support from the DDS Class of 2015. As of March 1, 29 members of the DDS Class of 2015 (including 14 women, 12 members of the Facebook group, and three other men) are participating
(updated March 2, 2015)

The restorative justice process will proceed based on the wishes of the class members who are participating. As of March 1, 29 members of the DDS Class of 2015 (including 14 women, 12 members of the Facebook group, and three other men) are participating.

We recognize that not every member of DDS2015 supports or wishes to take part in restorative justice. We have been working to ensure the wishes of those who choose not to take part in Restorative Justice are recognized, considered and acted upon. It is our hope that the additional measures undertaken — including the Academic Standards Class Committee’s consideration of the matter and the external investigation into the Faculty of Dentistry — will be a key part of this process.
(updated March 2, 2015)

The restorative justice process is ongoing. We expect it will be concluded by the end of term.

On March 1, all twenty-nine students participating in restorative justice (RJ) released a public statement. In that statement, the 14 women participating have reiterated their choice and commitment to RJ.  They stated their respect for anyone impacted by this situation to proceed in a way they are most comfortable. They asked for the same respect.

Also in that statement, the 12 Facebook group members taking part in RJ have expressed remorse, taken ownership of what they have done, and recognized that they have harmed a broad range of people. Within the RJ process, the men have apologized to some of those most directly harmed and their public statement recognizes that they have much more to do.

As part of the Restorative Justice process each of the men has now attended expert-led workshops on misogyny and rape culture; bystander intervention; sexualized and gendered violence; public safety and security, and other topics. Together this represents more than one thousand hours of collective work by the participants, with more to come.

Together, all of the RJ participants ask that we continue to respect their right to pursue this restorative justice process off the public stage.

(March 2, 2015)

All members of the DDS Class of 2015 were invited to participate. No one was excluded. Participation requires a commitment to truth. Acknowledgement of guilt in other processes was not a pre-requisite for participation in restorative justice. Other individuals from the Faculty of Dentistry, the University, the profession and the public are being invited by the facilitators to participate as appropriate.
(March 4, 2015)

The University and the Faculty of Dentistry continue to work together to promote the safety and comfort of all members of its community in light of these events. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful community for everyone at the university.

Several measures undertaken throughout this process reflect this principle including: the closure of the Dental Clinics until January 12, the suspension of the 13 male students from clinical practice, and ensuring the male students did not attend classes with their classmates.
(updated March 2, 2015)

During their suspension, the students were not able to participate in any activities in Dalhousie’s dental clinics, meaning they did not work with the public or directly with classmates in that setting. Students in Dalhousie’s DDS program are required to complete work in clinic as part of their degree requirements. The suspension was necessary to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patients and classmates who participate in the clinics.

On Thursday, January 8, the Academic Standards Class Committee determined that in addition to the clinical suspension, the 13 students would not attend classes with the rest of their classmates. This was communicated on Friday, January 9. Classes for the term ended in February.

As part of their procedures, the ASCC is required to review the suspension from clinic. The ASCC has carefully considered whether a conditional return to clinic for the 12 men taking part in restorative justice would create any risk to students, staff and the public. Based on its review, the ASCC has determined that each of the men may return to clinic under a number of conditions. This was announced on Monday, March 2. Before making this decision, every woman in the class was individually consulted by an Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Dentistry.  Each woman supported the conditional return to clinic.  Additionally, no member of the public [who is a patient at the dental clinic] will receive treatment from any of the men if they choose not to. 

On Friday, March 6, it was announced that the ASCC has determined the 13th member of the Facebook group may also return to clinic under a number of conditions, specific to his circumstances, including close supervision and education on professionalism.

(updated March 6, 2015)
 

This is a very complex matter, and we must take the time necessary to gather information, follow a just process and to make informed decisions. Key individuals were away until December 21 and needed time to carefully review information before determining the suspension from clinical activities.

All the students in question had left campus by December 22. The University and the Faculty of Dentistry wanted to ensure students had appropriate in-person support when the suspension decision was delivered to them, including information, counselling and other support services.
(January 5, 2015)

To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all parties, particularly those female Dentistry students affected by this situation, the 13 male students who were suspended from clinical activities will also not be attending classes with their peers, on the decision of the Academic Standards Class Committee.

Students spend the vast majority of the DDS program's fourth year in clinic — approximately 25-27 hours each week. Due to their suspension, the 13 male students will not take part in any activities in clinic.

Fourth-year students also take part in hour-long lectures or seminars, scheduled around their clinic time; these take place through early February, after which point the remainder of the program takes place exclusively in clinic. At this point, there are approximately 10-15 lectures or small group seminar sessions remaining in the fourth-year program. The 13 male students will not share a classroom with their peers for these sessions. In some cases, there may be separate instruction (either in different locations or at different times), while in other cases the lecture may be delivered via webcast. (January 13, 2015)

As part of their procedures, the Academic Standards Class Committee is required to review the suspension from clinic. The ASCC has carefully considered whether a conditional return to clinic for the 12 men taking part in restorative justice (RJ) would create any risk to students, staff and the public. Based on its review, the ASCC has determined that each of the men may return to clinic under a number of conditions, which include: close supervision; ongoing participation in RJ; attendance at refresher training; participation in a series of classes on communication and professionalism; and ongoing demonstration of high standards of professionalism. A student may be removed from clinic if any of these conditions are violated.

(March 2, 2015)

The decision was made by the Academic Standards Class Committee (ASCC) after careful consideration of whether a conditional return to clinic would create any risk to students, staff and the public.

(updated March 6, 2015)

The conditions under which the 12 male students can return to clinic include: close supervision; ongoing participation in restorative justice; attendance at refresher training; participation in a series of classes on communication and professionalism; and ongoing demonstration of high standards of professionalism. A student may be removed from clinic if any of these conditions are violated.

The return to clinic for the 13th male student, announced on March 6, is also under a number of conditions, specific to his circumstances, including close supervision and education on professionalism.

(updated March 6, 2015)

The return to clinic is effective as soon as the students complete a clinical refresher course and some further educational sessions. This could be as early as March 9.
(updated March 6, 2015)

Yes. Before making this decision, every woman in the class was individually consulted by an Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Dentistry. Each supported the conditional return to clinic.
(March 2, 2015)

The decision regarding the return to clinic for the 13th student was made separately from those participating in restorative justice. The ASCC has determined the student may also return to clinic under a number of conditions, specific to his circumstances, including close supervision and education on professionalism.
(updated March 6, 2015)

The Academic Standards Class Committee has broad authority over academic performance, including professionalism. This committee also recommends students for graduation. No student can receive a DDS degree from Dalhousie without meeting both academic requirements and professional standards.

The committee is comprised of fourth-year Dentistry course directors and is governed primarily by the Faculty of Dentistry’s Academic Policy Manual.
(January 5, 2015)

The ASCC will assess the situation of each student involved and ensure any individuals recommended for graduation will have complied with the professionalism requirements of their academic program. No student will be permitted to graduate unless they have done so. Read more about the procedures of the ASCC review.
(updated March 2, 2015)

It is too soon to speculate on the amount of time it will take. The ASCC will assess the situation of each student involved and ensure any individuals recommended for graduation will have complied with the professionalism requirements of their academic program.
(January 7, 2015)

The Academic Standards Class Committee will consider the actions of the students in light of the Student Code of Professional Conduct in the Faculty of Dentistry Academic Policy Manual. The ASCC will assess the situation of each student involved and ensure any individuals recommended for graduation will have complied with the professionalism requirements of their academic program. No student will be permitted to graduate unless they have done so.
(January 9, 2015)

Clinical activities are a significant portion of the academic program for fourth-year students, so the students’ ability to complete their academic requirements is directly impacted by the clinical suspension. We do know, at this point, that due to missed clinic time some of the men will not graduate this spring. However, it is too early to speculate as to overall outcomes of the ASCC’s consideration of the matter.
(updated March 2, 2015)

Yes. On January 9, Dr. Florizone announced that this task force will be led by Professor Constance Backhouse and focus on the Faculty of Dentistry as described in the terms of reference [PDF-61kB].

The university also announced that Kim Brooks, in partnership with Senate, will lead a strategic initiative on building a collegial culture of respect and inclusiveness. This is one of 25 initiatives that make up Dalhousie’s existing strategic plan.

The university announced leadership of this priority on January 9 because its work will constitute an important part of the broader Dalhousie response to this incident.
(January 9, 2015)

Professor Constance Backhouse will lead the investigation. Professor Backhouse holds the positions of Distinguished University Professor and University Research Chair at the University of Ottawa, and is internationally recognized for her work on sex discrimination and the legal history of gender and race in Canada. She is a Member of the Order of Ontario, a member of the Order of Canada, and a Fellow of the Royal Society. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the SSHRC Gold Medal for Achievement in Research, the Killam Prize in Social Sciences and the Trudeau Fellowship.

Don McRae, a professor at the University of Ottawa, and Nitya Iyer, a lawyer with expertise in human rights and professional regulation, will join Constance Backhouse on the task force. Full bios are available on the Task Force webpage.
(updated January 22, 2015)

According to its terms of reference [PDF-61kB] the task force’s reports must be delivered to the President no later than June 30, 2015. The reports will subsequently be shared publicly.
(January 9, 2015)

Individuals and groups within the Faculty of Dentistry (students, faculty/staff, alumni, etc.) will be invited directly to participate in the task force’s work at various points in the process, but the Task Force  welcomes input from anyone — in Dentistry or otherwise — who wants to contribute.

Input for consideration can be made in writing to: dentistrytaskforce@dal.ca or submitted anonymously through the task force's online portal.(March 2, 2015)

Approved by the Board and Senate last year, Inspiration and Impact: Dalhousie Strategic Direction 2014-2018 includes a commitment to foster a culture of inclusiveness and diversity. In January 2015, a committee to advance this aspect of Dalhousie’s Strategic Direction was struck under Charter 5.2.
 
Working in partnership with Senate, the strategic initiative will both proactively support an inclusive environment and focus on how we can better respond when members of our community experience the impact of misogyny, sexism, racism, heterosexism, ableism, socio-economic disadvantage, colonialism, ethnocentrism, sexualized violence, harassment and discrimination.

The committee published its action report on March 5, 2015. Read it here.

(updated March 5, 2015)

Chaired by Kim Brooks (Dean, Schulich School of Law), the committee was comprised of a diverse group of students, faculty and staff:

• Brenda Beagan (Associate Professor, School of Occupational Therapy)
• Dianne Pothier (Professor of Law Emerita, Schulich School of Law)
• Gregory Power (Director, MedIT)
• Jacqueline Skiptunis (Vice-President, Academic and External, Dalhousie Student Union)
• Katherine Frank (Assistant Vice-President, Human Resources)
• Mahbubur Rahman (Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Dalhousie Student Union)
• Maya Churbaji (Research and Operations Coordinator, Human Resources)
• Quenta Adams (Director, Advising and Access Services, Student Services)
• Samuel Mason (South House Board Member)
• Sara Swasson (Native Post-Secondary Liaison, Dalhousie’s Native Post-Secondary Education Counselling Unit)
• Wanda Thomas Bernard (Professor, School of Social Work)

(January 22, 2015)

In Phase 1, a committee of students, faculty and staff reached out to groups who have been engaged in diversity and inclusion work, solicited input from individuals, and reviewed reports and research produced at Dalhousie and at other Canadian universities. Its action plan was published on March 5, 2015. Read it here.
 
Phase 2 is now beginning. In some cases, the initiative expects that individuals, offices, faculties and units will take immediate action in response to the recommendations. In other cases, there will need to be considered conversation and respectful dialogue about the recommendations.

For each of recommendation, the committee has asked that a timeline be established by those listed as part of the “Accountability Community.” That timeline should be reported to Senate in October 2015. The committee will be asking Senate, the Board of Governors, and senior University administration to require an annual review of its recommendations.
(updated March 5, 2015)

The committee’s phase one outreach is now complete, and its action report has been published. Read the report here and share your feedback.

(updated March 5, 2015)

While the university-wide strategic initiative is distinct from the Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia, the committee anticipates its work will complement that effort.
(January 22, 2015)

We are mindful of the impact of this situation on all our students, faculty and staff in the Faculty of Dentistry, and especially those in the Dentistry Class of 2015. The restorative justice process, currently underway, along with other options being considered, are intended to repair the harm caused by this offensive behavior. We will do whatever is reasonable and within our abilities to support those students as they start their careers. They are an integral part of the Dalhousie community.
(January 5, 2015)

Earlier in this process, the university met with all students in the fourth-year Dentistry class (DDS4), and reached out all students mentioned in the Facebook group. All were invited to take part in the restorative justice process that is ongoing, which was selected by those students who elected to pursue action under the Sexual Harassment Policy.

Counselling support has been in place for all students in DDS4, particularly for the women directly impacted, since this process began in December. We are continuing to reach out to students to offer support with any concerns around their safety, those both physical and emotional.
(updated March 2, 2015)

The exams were and took place in January. The 13 male students wrote their exams at the same time as their peers, but separately.
(updated March 2, 2015)

While the university could not accept the Code of Conduct complaint as the letter requested, the university has launched an independent investigation of the Faculty of Dentistry. This Task Force has been asked to review the university’s existing policies, as well as consider policies and practices that could be put in place to permit university administrators to investigate anonymous complaints of harassment and discrimination—one of the main concerns identified in the letter.

University staff have also reached out to every student in the fourth-year Dentistry class, and offered counselling and support. (January 17, 2015)

The University policies that are being followed in addressing this situation require the strict confidentiality of all persons involved, and also maintain the confidentiality of information gathered, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. It is possible that disciplinary or remedial actions taken at the conclusion of the appropriate processes, however, may be disclosed.
(January 5, 2015)

On December 22, the Faculty of Dentistry announced the closure of the public dental clinics until January 12, contacting patients directly to reschedule appointments. The closure was part of broader efforts to ensure patients (as well as students, faculty and staff) are able to return to the clinics

Also on December 22, the Faculty of Dentistry made the decision to suspend 13 students from clinical activities. The suspension, which was communicated to the students on January 5 once they had returned to campus, was necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of patients and classmates who participate in the clinics. During the suspension, the students involved did not participate in any clinical activities and did not work with the public or directly with classmates in clinic.

Safety remains our priority. Although the suspension from clinic was lifted for the 12 male students participating in restorative justice on March 2, no member of the public [who is a patient at the dental clinic] will receive treatment from any of the men if they choose not to. In making its decision, the Academic Standards Class Committee carefully considered whether a conditional return to clinic would create any risk to students, staff and the public, and determined that the men may return to clinic under a number of conditions.
(updated March 2, 2015)

One of the primary ways the Faculty of Dentistry ensures public safety is through professional standards. No student can receive a DDS degree from Dalhousie without meeting academic requirements, which includes professional standards.

The Faculty of Dentistry Academic Standards Class Committee (ASCC) is considering the matter from the perspective of professionalism requirements and has the authority to create remediation plans where warranted and to recommend academic dismissal.

The ASCC will assess the situation of each student involved and ensure any individuals recommended for graduation will have complied with the professionalism requirements of their academic program. No student will be permitted to graduate unless they have done so.
(January 7, 2015)

On Sunday, January 11, President Florizone updated the Dalhousie community indicating the University is not able to accept the formal complaint under the Student Code of Conduct as submitted by four faculty members on December 22. Read President Florizone's update.
(January 11, 2015)

The decision on the complaint, made by Anne Forrestall (Vice-Provost, Student Affairs), reads as follows:

In determining whether the complaint has been properly brought under the Dalhousie University Code of Student Conduct, I have considered the basis for the allegation and the application of the Code as set out in Section B.

While I agree with your contention that the conduct complained of could be determined to be "alleged to adversely affect, disrupt or interfere with another person's reasonable participation in Dalhousie University programs or activities" as stated in Section B (b) of the Code, Section B also contains a limiting clause that states, "However, the Code will not apply to conduct that:

(ii) is subject to action as an alleged failure to meet standards of professional conduct as required by a college, faculty or school"

The "Class of DDS 2015 Gentlemen" Facebook Page is currently under review by the Faculty of Dentistry Academic Standards Class Committee for DDS 4, which has responsibility for evaluating students on professionalism and authority to make recommendations on their findings. It is my judgment that the matter is "subject to action as an alleged failure to meet standards of professional conduct" as required by the School of Dentistry and therefore not eligible for consideration under the Student Code of Conduct.

In an update published Sunday, January 11, President Florizone expressed his appreciation for the faculty who brought forward the complaint, noting their courage in taking a public stand on behalf of others. He added that the complaint, “has highlighted a need for careful review of our policies to ensure we have a respectful, inclusive community.” The Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry, launched Friday, January 9, will be reviewing the University’s policies with recommendations on how they can be improved.
(January 13, 2015)

There are 46 students in the DDS4 class: 21 female students and 25 male students. This gender breakdown is comparable to that of the overall DDS program at Dalhousie (48% female, 52% male). Eight of the students are in the qualifying program: of those, six are male and two are female.
(updated March 2, 2015)

Yes. It is common for organizations, including universities, to seek external perspective and support in responding to complex situations such as this.
(January 13, 2015)

This issue is part of a larger societal issue that has touched our community to its core and stimulated important conversation and debate that must continue.

Two processes underway will support this broader conversation. First, the Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry, led by Constance Barkhouse, has been asked to review the university's policies and recommend changes, if warranted. Its review of the Faculty of Dentistry may also spark ideas that have university-wide application. Second, Kim Brooks (Dean of Law) will be leading Dalhousie's Strategic Initiative on Diversity and Inclusiveness, in partnership with the Dalhousie University Senate. Prof. Brooks and her team will consider new approaches towards nurturing an inclusive and respectful community at Dalhousie.

Through these processes, we expect a wide variety of ideas to be considered, including potentially ones brought forth by DSU Council and others within the university. 
(January 17, 2015)