The university released a statement late Wednesday evening saying that Professor Benjamin Levin, who was arrested last Monday and faces seven charges related to child pornography, has ceased “all university activities at this time.”
The unsigned statement says that “The University understands that an individual is innocent until proven guilty” however it goes on to cite “the gravity of the charges in relation to the mission of OISE” as the reason for their actions.
The statement raises a number of questions, including whether Levin requested the statement, or whether the university issued it unilaterally. The university has declined to comment on this matter.
The conditions of Levin’s bail state he may only use the Internet from inside his office. The university declined to comment on whether he would still be permitted to access his office.
The university also declined to explain when or under what circumstances Levin would return to work at the university, and declined to address what effect this move will have on the graduate students he was responsible for supervising.
More to follow
