Gene Daniels, NSCAD University prof, charged with voyeurism

An associate professor at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design allegedly used a camera in a bathroom to capture images of a former student, say Halifax Regional Police.

Gene Daniels has been charged with voyeurism following an alleged incident last year involving a former student.

Daniels has worked at NSCAD University since 2003 and is currently an associate professor at the school in the division of foundation studies.

Police allege the incident happened at a gallery on Cunard Street in Halifax, which is a place of business for Daniels.

A 31-year-old woman, who was once taught by Daniels, visited the gallery on July 27, 2014 and used the bathroom, they said.

While in the bathroom, police say she noticed she was being filmed. The woman left the gallery and reported the incident to the police.

On April 2, 2015, officers arrested Daniels after he turned himself in to police. He was charged with one count of voyeurism and released on the condition that he not possess any electronic device with camera capabilities, and that he return to court at a later date.

According to court documents obtained by CBC News, the accused observed a woman in a private place "in which a person can reasonably be expected to be nude, to expose her genital organs, or anal region or her breasts, or to be engaged in explicit sexual activity."

CBC News has been in contact with the alleged victim and has agreed to withhold her name.

"I am deeply hurt and affected by the events that happened that day with Gene, someone whom I had known and trusted for many years," she said in an email.

'Due process will be followed'

"Initially, as my professor, I came to know him as someone that I could turn to for professional advice or guidance. I am troubled by the position of trust and the direct interaction that he continues to have daily with young men and women at NSCADU.

"I hope that if anything similar has happened with other students or former students of his, that they will use this opportunity to come forward."

According to the university's course schedule, Daniels is slated to teach three classes in September. CBC News tried unsuccessfully to obtain a comment from Daniels. 

After those attempts were made, Daniels's LinkedIn and Facebook pages were taken down.

NSCAD University posted a statement on its website Monday morning from president Dianne Taylor-Gearing, stating the school administration was unaware of Daniels's charge until this weekend, when CBC News contacted the university for comment.

"We take this matter seriously and are responding accordingly. The safety and protection of all members of the NSCAD community are of the utmost importance," Taylor-Gearing said in the statement.

"Due process will be followed. Further information will be provided as we make progress."

Daniels's next court appearance is May 20.