In recent weeks, a number of revelations have come to light regarding the actions of Glenn Barnes, the current MUN Board of Regents Chair. Mr. Barnes contacted the parent of an individual who participated in a click-to-email campaign directed at Memorial’s Board of Regents.
Memorial’s Information Access and Privacy has conducted an investigation of Barnes’ action and “It determined there was an unauthorized disclosure of an email sent by a third-party individual to a member of the Board of Regents.” Privacy training has been recommended for Mr. Barnes and the matter has been reported to the provincial Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
The matter is also currently under investigation via the processes set out in the Board of Regents Code of Conduct Policy.
This ongoing ordeal continues to cause significant harm to the University’s reputation.
I am writing today to inquire about the investigation/review process referenced in the Gazette update of July 26, 2024. In particular, I would like to know the following:
- How long does this process take? Are there defined timelines?
- Who will be conducting the review?
- Will the findings be made public and, if so, when?
- Will Mr. Barnes be removed from acting as Chair while this matter is being reviewed?
Given the serious nature of the matters at hand, the information that has already been made public about this situation in the media and by the University/Board, the potential contraventions
of the Board’s Code of Conduct that have occurred, and the important role of the Board and the Chair in the operations of the University, MUNFA’s position is that:
- Mr. Barnes should, at a minimum, be removed as Chair of the Board of Regents while this and any other review processes/investigations unfold; and
- the Board’s review process and findings be made public as quickly as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding this matter.
Regards,
Josh Lepawsky
President
MUNFA
