HAMILTON — A southern Ontario college says it's investigating two incidents in which a television reporter says she was sexually harassed by students.
In a posting on the Mohawk College Facebook page, president Ron McKerlie says campus security is looking into "misogynistic words" used by two students on Tuesday.
CHCH reporter Britt Dixon was reporting on students returning to class following a five-week college faculty strike and said Tuesday on Twitter that a male student yelled a lewd comment behind her in the middle of an interview. Later she tweeted "Wow twice in one day."
Wow twice in one day #FHRITP a minute before my live hit... speechless
— Britt Dixon (@BrittDixonTV) November 21, 2017
An update to yesterday’s #FHRITP incidents... this is STILL happening and all too often unfortunately... speaking up and speaking out is important. I hope this makes others think twice next time #metoo https://t.co/WCjTodUJsn
— Britt Dixon (@BrittDixonTV) November 22, 2017
McKerlie says he has personally apologized to the reporter on behalf of the college and says sexual harassment is a clear violation of Mohawk's student behaviour policy.
He says violating the policy can result in suspension or expulsion and, at a minimum, students are required to apologize and sign a behaviour contract.
McKerlie calls the incident "deeply disappointing" and not reflective the college's values.
"If you somehow believe it is acceptable or humorous to demean and sexually harass women then you are not welcome at Mohawk," he said.
