Statement on the Max Abbott case

AUTSA would like to express our concern about the recent decision to allow Max Abbott to remain his role as Professor whilst there is an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.

Several students have expressed to us that they feel unsafe knowing Mr Abbott will presumably remain in contact with students in his Professorial role. Both our AUTSA staff and SRC share their sentiments.

In a recent communique from Vice-Chancellor Derek McCormack, he stated that "AUT remains committed to zero tolerance of sexual harassment and to full, fair and proper responses to all allegations of it according to our values of pono/respect, tika/integrity and aroha/compassion and our comprehensive policies and procedures for dealing with harassment".

AUTSA has zero tolerance for sexual harassment and would respectfully suggest that the current response is inadequate. We request that Mr Abbott be stood down from all his roles at AUT on full pay until the investigation is concluded and subsequent actions taken. This is standard procedure in many prominent NZ organisations, and is as much about the safety of the accused as it is about the safety of those around him/her.

Please take time to consider this request and let us know your response by COB Friday this week.