Review finds McMaster PNB department let “inappropriate behaviours go unchecked”

An external review of McMaster University’s Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB) found a degree of complacency let inappropriate behaviours go unchecked.

The review was initiated by McMaster president David Farrar, after the school received numerous allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence from within the department.

“Given the serious nature of the concerns raised, it was important that we moved quickly to review the climate and culture of the department, as well as to investigate the specific complaints received,” Farrar said in a statement.

Over 100 people, including faculty, staff and graduate students, completed an online survey, while 35 one-on-one interviews were conducted.

“The information we heard during our review has painted a picture of a department whose collegiality, while having many positive qualities, has created a degree of complacency that has let inappropriate behaviours go unchecked,” concluded the review.

It made several recommendations, including training for faculty and staff, training for students on sexual harassment and the resources available and increased department oversight and accountability.