U of T has issued a statement after learning that James Andrew Payne, a lecturer in the Daniel’s Faulty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, was charged with sexual assault in December 2011. The university’s statement was issued following media inquiries.
In their statement, U of T said that it had “just learned” of the charge against Payne and that “the university is looking into the matter.” The statement also acknowledged the seriousness of the charge.
University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) President Munib Sajjad expressed concern over the allegations when reached by phone. “Universities should be doing everything they can to protect students,” he said.
It appears that U of T learned of the charge when a friend of the alleged victim contacted the university to ask why Payne was still teaching, and informed them of the criminal charge against him. Sajjad questioned how the university could have remained unaware of the charge, saying that Payne “definitely should have reported it to the university” and regardless of whether the professor self-reported, there should be mechanisms in place to protect students.
Payne is charged with one count of sexual assault. On December 10, 2011, Payne allegedly entered a young woman’s apartment near Dundas Street West and Dovercourt Road and sexually assaulted her. The women recognized her alleged assailant and contacted a friend who provided his name.
Payne was charged the following day. He will next appear in court on September 5. The charge against him has not been proven. Payne’s lawyer stated that his client will “certainly plead not guilty” and has been cooperating with the police.
Payne teaches history and theory at Daniels, as well as co-ordinating the writing program.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to multiple charges against Payne, the article has been updated to reflect that only one charge has been made.
