Once again, Brandon University thoroughly rejects the slanted narrative presented by Winnipeg Free Press education reporter Maggie Macintosh. This follows our earlier rejection of her initial inquiry a series of loaded questions that are now reflected in the reporting and which continue to be based on partial access to the facts, selective reading, and incorrect information. The resulting article is extraordinarily misleading and appears deliberately torqued to present Brandon University and its people in the worst possible light.
As we have said all along, we cannot comment on any particulars of this case, as it involves personal and private information. While that leaves only uninformed or misinformed allegations to be aired in public, under no circumstances would our university improperly share the private information of its students, staff, faculty, or alumni. Breaches of Manitoba's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act are taken seriously, and it is our legal obligation to have them investigated.
Here is what we can confirm:
- The specific situation was far more complex, as is often the case, than the article would lead you to believe, and the actions taken in no way reflect a lack of policy or process.
- Following a thorough and deliberate process as outlined in our robust policies, the incident was successfully resolved by all the directly involved parties.
- Throughout those processes, the changed grade remained.
- Our reviews and a grievance process suggested areas where policy clarity could be improved, and our Senate is considering those suggestions as part of BU's normal and continuing policy review process.
- We have recognized that communication could have been better, and we are committed to doing better.
Academic integrity is central to our mission and to the trust placed in us by our students, faculty, and the public. We also have a duty of care to our students and our faculty, which includes all appropriate supports, careful investigations, and confidentiality. We take that responsibility seriously because we've learned hard lessons from missteps in the past. We know it is critical to maintain academic rigour while also supporting and caring for our community in the fullness of their humanity.
We have full confidence in our faculty, our academic leaders, and our university Senate. Our students and our community deserve Brandon University employees that are of the highest calibre, and we are proud of our recruitment, hiring, and tenure and promotion processes that ensure we attract and retain top talent.
Students at Brandon University work hard for their grades. Everyone who has graduated from Brandon University has gone through a rigorous process to ensure they have fully earned their degree. Brandon University graduates are proud of their degrees, which are springboards to fulfilling careers and personal success.
Those who would use misleading media leaks to anonymously but publicly impugn the character of others and the integrity of Brandon University should ask themselves whether they are living up to the BU motto of "speaking the truth in love."
