Peter Rathjen: Eleven more charges, this time at the University of Tasmania

One of the most important #MeToo cases I have investigated over the past five years was that of Peter Rathjen, former Vice-Chancellor and president of the University of Adelaide. The Rathjen investigation came on the heels of my reporting on Adelaide ancient DNA chief Alan Cooper, who was subsequently fired by the university. During the Cooper investigation, sources told me about Rathjen's long history of sexual harassment. 

My investigation  of Rathjen revealed, among many other things, that he had been found culpable of sexually assaulting a student at the University of Melbourne; that reporting ended up playing an important role in the Australian authorities' own investigation, which led to Rathjen's firing from Adelaide.

As a result, officials at the University of Tasmania began looking into Rathjen's time there as vice-chancellor, before he was at Adelaide. The university has now announced the results of its investigation, which found eleven complaints against him.

To the university's credit, it has done a serious mea culpa about its failure to catch out Rathjen during his time there and properly protect students and staff. I am reproducing the key documents below. 

Before I do, however, I hope readers will indulge me in a personal aside. As many know, I am currently being sued for defamation by University of California, Santa Barbara archaeologist Danielle Kurin, for my accurate and well supported reporting on her own long history of abuses and enabling abuse. In her Complaint against me in federal court, Kurin actually cites the cases of several sexual predators I investigated as examples of my alleged false reporting, including that of Rathjen, even though all of the individuals she mentions were severely sanctioned by their own institutions.

On the contrary, my reporting on Rathjen, which was at the urging of colleagues in Australia, led to a concrete result that will from now on prevent future victims.

With thanks to colleagues in Australia who provided them to me, here are some relevant documents in the Tasmania investigation of Rathjen: A summary of the findings, followed by the university's mea culpa.



 The Independent Review of the University of Tasmania’s management of issues surrounding Peter Rathjen’s leadership


 

On August 26, 2020, South Australia's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) found former University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Peter Rathjen committed serious misconduct by sexually harassing two women. Commissioner Bruce Lander also found Professor Rathjen did not reveal he was also being investigated about historical allegations he sexually harassed or abused a postgraduate student at the University of Melbourne. 


The University of Tasmania appointed Maree Norton, an independent barrister at the Victorian Bar to independently review the University of Tasmania’s management of issues surrounding Peter Rathjen’s leadership between 2011-2018. Ms Norton received eleven formal complaints as part of that process. The complaints concerned allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying and other forms of Unacceptable Behaviour under the University Behaviour Policy. Three of the complaints made allegations directly concerning Professor Rathjen. The remaining eight complaints did not involve him directly, but broadly concerned culture and complaints handling at the University during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor. All complaints were made on a confidential basis.

 

The University did not ask Ms Norton to investigate the complaints nor speak to Professor Rathjen or others named in complaints. Each of the complainants now has an opportunity to request the University to investigate their complaint; if they choose to do so. 

Ms Norton then reported the complaints to the University but made no findings as to the allegations made. 


At a general level, the complaints raise questions concerning conduct which, if proved, would constitute Unacceptable Behaviour, enabled by a bystander culture and failures at times in complaints reporting and handling at the University, particularly in relation to the conduct of senior University community members.

 

Having regard to these matters, best-practice materials, and the recent recommendations of the South Australian ICAC, Ms Norton made seven recommendations to the University as to the steps we should take to strengthen our governance structures, policies, procedures and training to better serve its community in future. These recommendations are set out below. The University Council has accepted all of the recommendations and endorsed an action plan for full implementation of the recommendations by 1 July 2021.

 


Recommendations 


1. The University ensure that all University community members can easily access the University’s definition of sexual misconduct and examples of behaviour that may constitute sexual misconduct. 

2. The University review its policies, procedures and education program to ensure that they provide appropriate guidance on the steps that should be taken to avoid conflicts of interest where two staff members enter into a relationship. 



3. The University review its policies, procedures and education program to ensure that appropriate emphasis is given to the circumstances in which Unacceptable Behaviour (as defined in the University Behaviour Policy) might constitute improper conduct by a public officer in respect of which a disclosure may be made under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2002 (Tas). 

4. The University review its existing complaints procedures and governance frameworks to ensure that they provide effective pathways for complaints concerning senior University community members to be made and investigated. 

5. The University review its education program to ensure that it provides appropriate education on the new University Behaviour Policy and University Behaviour Procedure. (a) Education to members of University Council and the University Executive Team on their role in providing cultural leadership concerning the University’s intolerance for Unacceptable Behaviour, and in responding to any such behaviour they observe or of which they are made aware. 

    1. Education on upstander awareness and intervention strategies more generally, to encourage all University community members to act in response to Unacceptable Behaviour they observe or of which they are made aware. 
    2. Education to staff and student representatives who are most likely to receive or be required to deal with complaints about Unacceptable Behaviour, including on the features of a victim-centred and trauma-informed approach and the need to take appropriate action to enable complainants to feel safe attending the University while complaints are investigated. (a) Where a University community member wishes to make a formal complaint, the University will offer to appoint a support person to provide practical guidance and support throughout the complaint process. 
    3. Support persons appointed under (a) will be appropriately trained to receive complaints in a victim-centred and trauma-informed way and will be familiar with the University’s processes for dealing with complaints and available counselling services. 
    4. When a formal complaint is submitted, the complainant will be given a timeframe within which they can expect a response. If it becomes apparent that a longer period will be required, the complainant will be advised of the revised timeframe. 
    5. Persons responsible for investigating formal complaints will be appropriately skilled to conduct investigations and make findings. 
    6. As part of that review, the University consider whether the existing education program should be expanded to provide education (or enhanced education) in the following key areas: 

6. The University ensure that the University Behaviour Policy, and the University Behaviour Procedure that is currently in development, make appropriate reference to the following procedures and commitments in relation to formal complaints.


    1. Complainants will be advised in writing of the outcome of their complaint. Where a complaint is substantiated, the University will take appropriate action against the perpetrator. Where a complaint is dismissed, the University will provide a meaningful explanation of the reason(s). In all cases, the University will outline any steps it has taken, or proposes to take, in response to the complaint and will inform the complainant when those steps have been taken. All complainants will be given an opportunity for a verbal “debrief” in relation to their complaint. 
    2. The range of actions or sanctions that may be applied where a complaint is made or substantiated will be communicated so that University community members can better understand the potential consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour.

    1. (e) Complainants will be advised in writing of the outcome of their complaint. Where a complaint is substantiated, the University will take appropriate action against the perpetrator. Where a complaint is dismissed, the University will provide a meaningful explanation of the reason(s). In all cases, the University will outline any steps it has taken, or proposes to take, in response to the complaint and will inform the complainant when those steps have been taken. All complainants will be given an opportunity for a verbal “debrief” in relation to their complaint. 
    2. (f) The range of actions or sanctions that may be applied where a complaint is made or substantiated will be communicated so that University community members can better understand the potential consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour. 

7. The University:

 

(a) review its internal reporting processes in relation to complaints of Unacceptable Behaviour to ensure that members of University Council and the University Executive Team are appropriately informed of the potential prevalence of such conduct; and 

(b) commit to regular anonymised public reporting of complaints of Unacceptable Behaviour to provide greater transparency regarding the number and type of complaints received and the steps taken in response to substantiated complaints. 





And here is the mea culpa, which more institutions might consider issuing, instead of the usual minimal release followed by a refusal to answer any more questions:









 Friday, 11 December 2020 

University: Our processes did not protect people, we are sorry

 

The University of Tasmania today released its response to a review covering the period of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen. 


The review was commissioned in August in the wake of an ICAC South Australia investigation which found Professor Rathjen engaged in serious misconduct with two female staff members while Vice-Chancellor at the University of Adelaide. 


Alumna and respected barrister Maree Norton, who has experience dealing with similar reviews, was engaged to provide an independent review of the University of Tasmania’s management of issues surrounding Peter Rathjen’s leadership. 

Ms Norton reviewed 11 complaints, 3 of which related directly to the former Vice-Chancellor. 


The remaining 8 related to workplace culture more broadly and people’s treatment within the University during Professor Rathjen’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor. 


Themes in the complaints include sexual misconduct, bullying, discrimination and failures in complaints systems and handling. 


The University of Tasmania Council has issued a formal apology to victims and survivors from the period. 

University Chancellor Michael Field AC said the University would accept and implement each of the recommendations arising from the Review by July 1, 2021. 


“The University Council is ultimately responsible for the wellbeing of people of the University,” Chancellor Field said. 

“This Review has highlighted that as an institution we failed in these responsibilities. Our systems and processes in place at the time were not effective in protecting people. 


“We are deeply sorry for all the distress these failures have caused. To each person affected: I am very sorry.” 




Chancellor Field said recommendations from the Review would result in changes including: 

  • • Better protections for people who are vulnerable through situations, including power imbalances
  •  
  • • Targeted training for University Council and Executive Leaders to ensure they understand what constitutes unacceptable behaviour in the current setting and understand their obligation to intervene 

  • • New governance arrangements to ensure people could feel safe in bypassing senior management to report concerns 


University Chief People Officer Jill Bye said with the close of the Review, people who reported would be offered a supported pathway should they want to proceed with a formal complaint about their experience.

 

“We want to be clear this Review was not a formal investigation into individual complaints. This was an investigation into the University and its handling of issues that arose at the time. As a result, the specific complaints have not been put to anyone but should anyone who came forward wishes to pursue a complaint, they will be supported to do so. 


“We are sorry for what has happened and we will demonstrate our respect by using their experiences to build a better organisation.” 


The recommendations of the review include clearer pathways for complaints, and a review of behaviour policies and procedures. 


The University of Tasmania review also considered the recommendations of the ICAC SA report in relation to its own systems and approaches to ensure any lessons from it could be incorporated into its response. 


“This review makes clear that our systems were not sufficient and that we did not have clear processes in place, and people were let down,” Ms Bye said. 


“We will use the work of Maree Norton and the experiences of those covered in this review to ensure we honour our intent to be a deeply people-centred, respectful organisation in which people can thrive.” 



Media contact: Jason Purdie – 0455 838 945



Information released by: 

Communications Office 

University of Tasmania 

+61 3 6226 2124 

Communications.Office@utas.edu.au 

Twitter.com/utas_ 


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5 Comments

Anonymous said…
It's reassuring to see some institutions taking responsibility (and blame) for their failures to protect students and employees. Hard not to be cynical, though, as this is probably due to the fact that they allowed for an independent investigatory body to take over.
Meanwhile in La La Land … UCLA continues to self-investigate, deny wrongdoing, and pay the heavy price for their messy cover-ups. This one’s just the very latest:
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-11-16/uc-to-pay-73-million-to-victims-of-alleged-sexual-abuse-by-ucla-gynecologist
Heaps’ track record of sexual assault and misconduct lasted from 1983 to 2019. That $73 million settlement is well overdue to the survivors, but if UCLA had done their due diligence then many women would have been spared that trauma for life. Plus, those millions that they are bleeding each year on sexual harassment lawsuits (Piterberg, Gans, Boytner) could have gone to support students’ and faculty much-reduced research funds (not to mention replacing those damn parking meters that never work.) It’s time to break away from the bystander culture and “cover-up first; apologize later” mentality.
Anonymous said…
Nobody should be surprised that further allegations against Rathjen have surfaced. He has been at 3 universities (Adelaide - twice, Melbourne and Tasmania) and evidence has come to light in all 4 situations.

Adelaide Uni is the most culpable. It allowed Rathjen to bully and sexually harass and otherwise behave in completely unacceptable fashion towards students snd staff from the mid-90s until he left for Melbourne Uni in 2006.

Adelaide then accepted him back.

And Adelaide has still not bothered to properly investigate Rathjen's disgraceful behaviour before he left for Melbourne.

Shame on Adelaide's disgraceful handling over a large number of years. It is so utterly disrespectful to the many people who have suffered at this man's hands for 25 years.
Michael Balter said…
I am cutting and pasting this comment on my earlier report about Rathjen, whose comments section has now become a forum for discussion of issues in Australian academia. With thanks for your help.

A note from the blog host:

Dear colleagues,

Over the past year, I have looked with pleasure and satisfaction at how this blog post, and others on similar topics, have become fora (forums?) for discussions of issues in Australian academia. I have been happy to provide a secure place where everyone can express their views anonymously, and where everyone understands why such a space is needed for academics.

I make no money from this blog, and last year I explained in a piece for the Columbia Journalism why I have taken to the blog for my #MeToo and bullying reporting:

https://www.cjr.org/opinion/metoo-academia-sexual-assault-harassment.php

One main reason I have been able to successfully report on misconduct in Australia is that, despite the country's draconian defamation laws, is that as a US-based journalist it is very hard to bring a lawsuit against me from down under; and even if someone did, they would have to meet the high standards required to prove defamation (basically, truth is an absolute defense against such claims, and I don't report anything I cannot back up.)

Despite these protections, as many of you know, I am being sued for $10 million for my reporting on a California-based archaeologist who engaged in numerous abuses herself and, I believe the evidence strongly suggests, enabled abuses by her ex-husband at her field sites in Peru.

I hope blog readers and commenters would not mind if I make one end of year request for support in this lawsuit. Although I and my legal team are confident of winning it, the cost of defending it is great. Please consult this GoFundMe link for details, and consider donating as little or as much as you feel appropriate. Once you do, you will receive regular updates on the progress of the case.

And in doing so, you are not just helping a reporter in a jam. You will also be helping the survivors and their allies who came to me asking for help telling their stories, and whom this lawsuit is designed to silence.

Thanks very much!

Here is the link to the defense campaign:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/freedom-of-the-press-defense-fund-kurin-v-balter
Anonymous said…
UTas has apologized to those who were abused under Rathjen's leadership, but Mike Brooks has decided to label the damning qualitative comments in the ICAC report as anecdotal. And you wonder why the university is rotten to the core. Brooks does not want to know the truth; he finds staff comments uneasy to read not because he finds it upsetting but because he thinks whinging Aussies are making a big deal out of nothing?

Healing can only being if Mike Brooks apologizes for all the abuse that happened under his leadership spanning 2 decades, not by burying his head in the sand. Meanwhile, lose all hope of culture change in Adelaide.
Anonymous said…
This is cut and paste from another blog about University of Adelaide.

Some Adelaide people have donated to the good cause (Kurin vs Balter) - please continue to support Balter's movement that has seen both Cooper and Rathjen getting fired. A total of $12,921 has been raised of $20,000 goal so far. Balter has credibility - see the ICAC commissioner's acknowledgement about him in the public statement about Rathjen. This is from pages 5 and 6 of that statement https://icac.sa.gov.au/sites/default/files/public/ICAC_Statement_About_an_Investigation-University_of_Adelaide.pdf

In July 2019 a blog was published by a man called Michael Balter in which he made an
allegation of previous sexual harassment on the part of the Vice-Chancellor “going back to
his earlier days as a professor”.

The Chancellor took advice in relation to the blog from the same solicitor from whom he had
taken advice in April/May 2019 and was advised that he should ask the Vice-Chancellor a
question which included:

“I seek your response to the claims made in the blog that you have a history of
engaging in sexual harassment, I also ask you to come back and let me know if
there is anything else that I or the University should be made aware of in relation to
your past conduct.”