College reviewing protocols in wake of attack

By Mark Hodgins and Kate Shumakova

BELLEVILLE – It’s now been a couple of weeks since a Loyalist College professor was attacked by a student in class.

As explained in an earlier story on QNet by Bevan Hamilton and Courtenay Modeste, the professor was teaching a first year Art and Design course. According to student witnesses, the student attacked his professor unprovoked.

Police were called and David Jock, 21, of Tyendinaga, was charged with assault and mischief to property. He’s scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 6.

In the wake of such an attack, some questions have been raised: What are the college’s protocols in the event of such an attack? Were those protocols followed? Are changes necessary?

John McMahon, Loyalist’s senior vice-president, academic and student success, says a thorough investigation is paramount.

“When incidents like this occur, it is very important to thoroughly review all aspects in order to determine the effectiveness of applicable protocols and processes. We are currently reviewing this matter with a view to confirm the facts of the case and to identify any aspect, including the implementation of our protocols, that could be improved to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Bernard Belanger,  president of Loyalist’s Local 420 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, representing academic staff, declined to comment on the situation after questioning in an email to faculty members and the administration whether the college had properly handled the situation.

McMahon expressed confidence in the school’s current policies.

“I reiterate the importance of following the existing protocols, which have been developed based on best practices in the area of violence prevention and emergency response,” he said in an email to QNet News.