The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission has dismissed a human rights complaint filed against St. Thomas University in December of last year after finding the complaint to be “without merit.”
Jeffrey Carleton, director of communications at STU, said the case had been thrown out in July.
“Since [last December], we’ve received communication from the Human Rights Commission that they have considered the case analysis report on the complaint and submission on the matter,” Carleton said. “Based on that, they have dismissed the human rights complaint against St. Thomas University.”
Former student Stacey Dawe filed the complaint after receiving warnings from Residence Life because of behavioural issues caused by her autism.
Dawe spent three semesters at STU beginning in the fall of 2013. She lived in Harrington Hall and had a series of warnings and fines because of noise violations, and was also considered to be disruptive in class, leading to an indefinite suspension from the university.
Carleton said the complaint was dismissed based on sub-section 19(2) of the Human Rights Act which says if the commission is of the opinion that the complaint is without merit, it may dismiss the complaint at any stage in the proceedings.
Dawe said she tried to talk to the university about her autism and how she might have different needs than other students.
“I felt like they weren’t listening and they told me if I did one thing wrong, basically I’d be kicked out of residence,” said Dawe. “It just made me on edge all the time.”
Dawe moved back to her native province of Newfoundland and is attending Memorial University to pursue education. She has since taken time off due to other behavioural conflicts and is hoping to go back in May.
Dawe, who is now on medication to help with emotional outbursts, said she realized there were times she was more out of control than she thought.
“I somewhat understand [STU’s] point of view now, but I still think they handled some things poorly.”
Carleton said human rights complaints are very rare and he is confident the university did what it could to help with this specific case.
“I do know that Student Services works very closely with students on any concerns they have, any complaints that they have,” he said. “So, I’m certain there would’ve been a significant history of interaction with the student.”
Dawe said she is still upset and hopes relationships between universities and others who have disabilities improve.
“I want people to understand that everyone has different needs and accommodating people with disabilities isn’t all about the academic stuff … I kind of feel a lack of closure with STU. I wish I at least had some answers. I’m confused about the way I was treated there.”
