Dalhousie dentistry Facebook scandal shows campus policies need work

Dalhousie University isn't the only post-secondary institution confronting disturbing allegations revolving around sexual violence. As one university puts partial suspensions in place and talks of restorative justice, another conversation has begun on confronting such problems on campus and whether the quest for Justice could lead to Injustice.

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We have announced the suspension of 13 fourth-year dental students from clinical activities pending consideration by the Faculty of Dentistry's Academic Standards Class Committee. But yes, suspension or expulsion are possibilities but they have to follow the processes.Richard Florizone, Dalhousie University President

There was shock last month when a Facebook page full of misogynistic, sexually violent comments came to light... It was maintained by a group of fourth-year dentistry students at Dalhousie University, and in post after disgusting post, it degraded women... including the male students' female peers.

But since then the school's handling of the scandal has been controversial in itself. The Dalhousie University's president, Richard Florizone, announced yesterday that the 13 students responsible for the page have so far had their clinical privileges suspended.

To many observers, that punishment does not go far enough... But there are legitimate questions about just how far a university can or should go, in disciplining cases such as these.

• Francoise Baylis is a Dalhousie professor and Canada Research Chair in bioethics and philosophy. She and four of her colleagues went public with a formal complaint, urging the university to suspend the students and launch an independent investigation into sexualized violence on campus.

• Lawrence Greenspon is an Ottawa-based criminal defence lawyer. He is currently representing members of Ottawa University's men's hockey team who say they were unfairly punished after a sexual assault case unfolded at that university.

• Bianca Tetrault is McGill University's Liaison Officer for Harm Reduction. She's tasked with helping the school devise ways to address the problem of sexual assault.