# 2018-051 Careers, Harassment, Progress Review Board, Promotion, Sexual misconduct

Case summary

F&R Date: 2019-10-10

The grievor argued that his course failure was caused by the sexual harassment and sexual assault he endured, and that the school authorities failed to properly address his allegations, causing him to suffer significant mental health issues and harm to his reputation and personal life. As redress, he sought an amendment of his course report, indicating that he was removed from the course for medical reasons. He also sought financial compensation.

The Initial Authority denied the grievance, stating that the grievor had not substantiated his claim that his medical condition prevented him from succeeding on the course.

The Committee obtained a Canadian Armed Forces medical opinion indicating that had the grievor reported for medical care during his course, it would most likely have resulted in a recommendation for the grievor to be returned to his unit for medical reasons. The Committee provided this medical opinion to the school Commandant who then directed an amended course report which resolved the matter to the grievor's satisfaction.

Regarding the grievor's request for compensation for the school's failure to properly address his complaint of sexual assault and harassment, the Committee recommended that the Chief of the Defence Staff consider authorizing an ex gratia payment to the grievor in light of the humiliation, embarrassment and shame he suffered as a result of his treatment during, and after the removal from his course.

FA decision summary

The case was withdrawn at Final Authority level.