UPEI issues apology, releases two women who accused former school president of sexual harassment from NDAs
CTV
The University of Prince Edward Island has released two women who accused the former school president of sexual harassment from non-disclosure agreements, and issued a public apology Thursday.
The University of Prince Edward Island has released two women who accused the former school president of sexual harassment from non-disclosure agreements, and issued a public apology Thursday.
Wendy Carroll and Erin Casey brought forward allegations of sexual harassment against former university president Alaa Abd-El-Aziz to the provincial human rights commission, and in 2013 were offered settlements from the school, signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
“For its part, the university has now provided Erin and Wendy with permanent release from their NDAs. The university will not prevent them from having their voices heard and from sharing their stories,” said Shannon MacDonald, chair of the UPEI board of governors, in a statement Thursday.
MacDonald said she has listened to Carroll and Casey talk about their journey over the past 10 years.
“We deeply regret the impact that the university’s response had on their personal and professional lives. We are sorry,” reads the statement.
In a joint statement from Carroll and Casey, shared by the university, the two thanked board chair MacDonald for “coming to the table in the spirit of restoration and reconciliation.”
“After 11 years of silence, we feel heard,” they said in the statement.
