Auckland University says it made mistakes in responding to a student's allegations of sexual assault and its disciplinary process was inadequate.
Photo: Claudine van Massenhove
This follows the Herald on Sunday's story that a student whom a university proctor agreed had twice raped another student last year was able to continue studying.
In a letter emailed to students, the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Dawn Freshwater, said the university has apologised to the victim for errors in addressing the case.
"Unfortunately, in this case the university's disciplinary response was not adequate, which we deeply regret."
Freshwater said the university has also taken steps to rectify the matter.
"After reviewing the details of the case, we have overturned the proctor's original finding, which was made in good faith, following a lengthy investigatory process, on the evidence available at the time."
The case will be heard at the university's discipline committee tomorrow.
"It is deeply upsetting to me to hear about cases of harmful sexual behaviour in our university community," said Freshwater.
"When these are brought to the university's attention, it is essential that we address them with rigour and sensitivity. Providing and supporting a safe and respectful university community has always been our top priority."
She said the university will accelerate its plan to create a culture of consent and respect, and seek an independent review of its student discipline procedures to identify where improvements can be made.