These two letters were published in the Arthur (Volume 38, Issue 23 March 29, 2004) and written in response to statements attributed to Mr. David Mahy in a previous article entitled "Bullies in Security". Needless to say, the reaction was strong and less than complimentary. And, yes, this is the same David Mahy of Prinzo v. Baycrest fame.

I want to make it perfectly clear that I did not request or instigate last week's article of Bullies in Security. I am too aware of what a phenomenally sensitive and volatile situation this is to have ever done this, especially to the victims who are still dealing with the repercussions of this situation.

It's disheartening to see that Mahy's attitude with regards to this situation has not changed. I am concerned that Mahy could joke and make light of this deplorable situation. I can assure you that the victims of this situation are far from reaching any resolve. I am disappointed that these issues are not viewed with the sensitivity and severity they require. Making sarcastic remarks about something that has affected so many people's lives must be deemed unacceptable. I honestly feel that many people do not understand the detrimental affect such circumstances have on victims' lives.

Although HR and the union have reached a somewhat amicable resolution, which took months, if not years to come about, Human Resources needs to be more compassionate and sensitive to these issues and act at the first sign of any similar problems, whether or not a formal complaint has been initiated.

I am hoping that Mahy's reference of entering the lecture circuit was said lightheartedly. Mahy should get his own institution in order before lecturing others on proper conflict resolutions. For instance, he stated everything has come out positive, even though one of the victims was forced to vacate a job they loved and placed in a contract position, uncertain of their future employment endeavors within the University. It is also common knowledge in employment law that the employer-employee relationships are typically characterized as having unequal bargaining power and that the employees are the ones left in a very vulnerable position.

Mr. Mahy's joke about going on the lecture circuit to let people know how Trent deals with harassment is an indication of his lack of perspective on the seriousness of this issue at Trent.

He and Williams know daily how people are treated here by their bosses's and they turn a blind eye because we are only little people in their minds.

Patterson is duped daily by this guy because she had little or no regard either for the little guys that make her University run. Shame on Mahy, Williams and Patterson for their shameless lack of care. One of these days someone is going to go public.