MCAST Assures Action Taken Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct By Staff In Front Of Students With Disabilities
MCAST has assured the public that the necessary action was taken following shocking allegations that a “clique” of staff members had committed acts of sexual misconduct in front of students with disabilities and other staff.
The college spoke out following the publication of the findings of an internal investigation, which was spearheaded by financial expert Paul Bonello and carried out in 2019.
Bonello’s inquiry found a “clique” of MCAST staff had engaged in “unprofessional and unethical behaviour” during weekend live-ins at a hotel, including through sexual misconduct and consumption of alcohol, especially in the vicinity, if not presence, of the most socially vulnerable students of the Pathway Programme.”
“Lecturers who were supposed to take care of the students (with intellectual and developmental disabilities) brought in their partners, stood naked metres away from the students and also had parties, drank alcohol and conducted activities of a sexual nature,” the report read, warning that MCAST’s management knew about it and did nothing.
In its response, MCAST pointed out that the allegations relate to incidents that occurred before 1st June 2018, which is when the current principal and CEO Joachim James Calleja took over management.
The college also said that action was taken before the Bonello Report was even finalised and that the Pathway Progamme was immediately closed after the result of an investigation in May 2017, with new units set up for inclusive education and learning support, complete with new management and teaching staff.
After June 2018, MCAST also set up a Grievance Office as an immediate point of reference for staff and students who encounter situations involving disagreements, disputes or when they feel that they are not treated fairly.
“Our College takes the violation of rules and regulations very seriously. We are strongly committed to updating the proper controls and collaborating with authorities for the safety and well-being of our growing community,” it said.
Read MCAST’s full statement below:
Further to the publication of the Investigation Report dated 5th March 2019, chaired by Mr Paul Bonello and comments made in the media, the following MCAST statement provides a factual summary of the issues relating to this report.
We recognise that this matter has caused deep concern for members of our community and that MCAST’s position should be made clear.
The Bonello report was completed in March 2019, and the allegations relate to incidents alleged to have occurred at the College before 1st June 2018. A number of allegations have also been deemed unfounded/untrue by the same Bonello report, which include; certain acts of bribery and corruption allegations by certain MCAST current and ex-officials, double payments to certain MCAST employees and unfounded allegations of payment to employees who never reported to work.
Prior to the recommendation by the Bonello Report, the College had already embarked on extensive restructuring of administration, in particular, the Finance and the Human Resources departments.
Both departments work under a Deputy Principal and new directorship and personnel introducing enhanced controls in all processes.
Today, the College is governed by detailed procedures and mechanisms that regulate activities at all levels and in all sectors. As far as the College is aware, no such incidents have repeated themselves since 2018.
MCAST took several immediate actions to strengthen policies and processes and ensure the integrity of all its programmes going forward. A restructuring of all units took place.
The Pathway Programme was, in fact, immediately closed after the result of the investigation in May 2017. A new unit was set up for inclusive education and another for learning support with new management and teaching staff. The College was adamant that all community members can work and learn together, guided by sound values of inclusion, respect and accountability.
After June 2018, MCAST also set up a Grievance Office as an immediate commitment to provide students and staff with structured support and point of reference when they encounter situations involving disagreements, disputes or when they feel that they are not treated fairly.
External and internal audits are ongoing to ensure effective, informed, and thorough internal controls to prevent misconduct or abuse of power.
We will continue to strengthen, wherever necessary, our policies and procedures. As a College, we are committed to upholding our reputation as an academic institution of excellence as a result of the sterling work of over 1500 staff members.
Our College takes the violation of rules and regulations very seriously. We are strongly committed to updating the proper controls and collaborating with authorities for the safety and well-being of our growing community.
What do you make of MCAST’s statement?
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