Response to Howe Hall/Instagram Incident

Response to Howe Hall/Instagram Incident

Statement – March 28

Dalhousie can confirm that concerns regarding possible inappropriate content on an Instagram account were brought to the university’s attention on November 1, 2014. This behaviour is offensive and not acceptable at Dalhousie.  As always, our actions are guided by the law and university policy.

In response to this incident, Dalhousie took the following actions:

• The university took immediate and appropriate action under the Residence Life Code of Conduct.
• The university completed a full investigation within two weeks of the matter coming to our attention.
• The matter was referred to Halifax Regional Police on November 13, 2014. Police have confirmed that there are no grounds for a police investigation.
• Dalhousie also reported the account to Instagram and the account was deactivated shortly thereafter.
• We can confirm that a number of students were evicted from residence as a result of this incident.

We take the safety, security and well-being of our students very seriously. The students in this particular case were offered a variety of supports, including opportunities to meet with their Residence Life Manager, as well as referrals to Counselling & Psychological Services, Dalhousie Security, and the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention.

We are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students in our residences. We are also committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful community for everyone at the university.

We recognize that this type of incident is not isolated to Dalhousie University. It is part of complex societal issues in which we have fully engaged. We take our responsibility seriously to take action in addressing the harms that have been caused.