uOttawa hires investigator to probe student-run sports club

The University of Ottawa says it has hired an independent investigator to look into an anonymous report it received this month of alleged misconduct involving a student-run sports club in February.

In a news release sent out Tuesday afternoon, the university said its senior administration received an anonymous report on Nov. 11 alleging there had been some kind of misconduct involving a student-run club in February.

In a phone interview, a university spokesperson clarified the investigation concerns a student-run sports club, but would not comment on which club it is, what the allegations are, when and where it's alleged they occurred, how senior administration received the anonymous report or when the investigation will be finished.

The university said it has brought in an independent investigator to review the allegations. That investigator will help administrators decide what they will do next. The university said it won't be commenting further until that investigation is finished.

According to the university, police were contacted in February but did not lay any charges. 

Ottawa police said Tuesday the issue isn't back on their radar with news of the investigation, and they can't confirm or deny allegations against a specific person or club if no charges were laid.

The university's varsity men's hockey team has been reinstated after allegations of sexual assault involving members of the team led to charges against two players.

Tuesday's news release said the student-run club in question is independent of its sports services department. The spokesperson said that means it is not a varsity or intramural team run by the university.

She also said it has nothing to do with this weekend's news that the student federation called off a free yoga class, partially over cultural concerns.