Henaghan steps down as law faculty dean
THE departing dean of the University of Otago’s faculty of law says it has been a ‘‘privilege’’ to hold the role for 19 years.
But Prof Mark Henaghan is still refusing to be drawn on controversial law camps, which are being investigated by the university, following complaints of inappropriate behaviour by students.
Prof Henaghan confirmed in a statement yesterday he was stepping aside as dean, although he would remain as a faculty researcher and lecturer until the end of the year.
His last day as dean was yesterday, paving the way for the faculty’s deputy dean, Prof Jessica Palmer, to replace him. In an email to staff announcing his decision, Prof Henaghan thanked them for ‘‘all the wonderful support you have given the faculty and me in my role as dean’’.
‘‘It has been a great privilege.’’ However, he would not answer Otago Daily Times questions, and instead issued a statement in which he insisted his departure was ‘‘not related to student law camps’’.
Prof Henaghan, who has been with the faculty for 41 years, announced in February he would be leaving at the end of the year to take up a new professorship at the University of Auckland Law School.
Last month, allegations emerged of inappropriate behaviour by students at past secondyear law camps organised by the Society of Otago University Law Students (Souls).
The university received two complaints from students about last year’s camp, and reports of excessive drinking, stripping and jelly wrestling followed, although other students defended the events.
Prof Henaghan was said to have been present as a guest at times during the camps, but he has ignored repeated requests for comment.
Souls cancelled this year’s event at Camp Iona, after the university withdrew its support for the event.
Humanities provice chancellor Prof Tony Ballantyne, in a statement at the time, said all concerns about the camps were taken seriously and were being examined by the university.
A university spokeswoman, said in a statement yesterday inquiries into events at the law camps were ongoing, but further information ‘‘may become public at a later date, once inquiries are completed’’.
The spokeswoman would not be drawn on the university’s view of the camps or Prof Henaghan’s presence at them, saying it would not ‘‘discuss any issues related to individual staff’’.
In the statement, Prof Ballantyne also said he wanted to ‘‘formally acknowledge’’ Prof Henaghan’s long service as dean ‘‘and the energy he has invested in the role’’.
Prof Palmer did not respond to a request for comment yesterday, but Prof Henaghan, in his statement, said he felt it was ‘‘appropriate to allow a fair and decent amount of time’’ for her to ‘‘learn the ropes in this very demanding role’’.
‘‘I am very confident Prof Palmer will do a brilliant job as dean of the wonderful Otago law faculty.
‘‘She has all the necessary qualities to lead the faculty into a very bright future. I wish her all the best in this new role.
‘‘I will stay on and continue to support the new dean through to the end of the year, so that the faculty has a smooth transition following 19 years of me in this role.’’
He declined further comment and did not respond to additional questions.