Three months after he was placed on suspension for what at the time was described as “serious allegations” of policy breaching, Scott Watter,46, an associate professor in McMaster’s department of psychology, neuroscience and behaviour, now faces charges of sexual assault and sexual assault causing bodily harm. Police say the charges relate to incidents that occurred in 2017.
The charges come after a woman reported being sexually assaulted by her professor. Maureen J. MacDonald, dean of science, was the first to communicate the suspension of a faculty member in an email sent on Feb. 19. MacDonald’s email was sent to “those who could potentially be impacted by the situation,” including students, faculty members and staff. The email stated that an unnamed faculty member was under investigation. The email noted that there were “serious allegations that could involve a number of policies, including McMaster’s Sexual Violence Policy” but did not disclose any specific details pertaining to the allegations in order to “safeguard the privacy of those involved”.
On the “Rate My Professor” webpage 13 out of 16 students’ gave him an “awesome” rating. He has been involved in the publication of more than 30 academic papers.
Leave a comment