Students at Brock University are preparing for the return of a professor found guilty of sexually harassing a student in 2014.
David Schimmelpenninck is set to return on Thursday, teaching a non-compulsory second year course.
Schimmelpenninck has come forward with an apology printed in the St. Catharines Standard, saying he regrets his past behaviour and has sought help for alcoholism.
One of the concerned Brock students, Alex Drag, tells CKTB's Tim Denis Schimmelpenninck's apology fails to own up to his actions.
"He writes that he's very apologetic and sympathetic to his actions, his past behaviours. I think he should do the right thing, the ethical thing, and resign from his position at Brock."
A demonstration is planned for Thursday afternoon from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. in front of the statue of Sir Issac Brock, followed by a silent demonstration in the hallway in front of Schimmelpenninck's classroom from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.
The university says Schimmelpenninck's return comes after an arbitrator concluded last month the professor should be allowed to return to class based on the collective agreement with its faculty association.
Schimmelpenninck released the following statement to CKTB:
I regret my past behaviour, and if I could undo it, and the harm I caused, I absolutely would. I had a drinking problem for a very long time. I have gotten help for my alcoholism and stopped drinking completely. Over the past three years I have worked very hard to address my problems and done everything the university has asked of me. I made serious mistakes and the university has disciplined me for them. I know that some people will never accept me back at the school. I have devoted my life to being an educator, and my only hope is that I will be able to give back to the university community the best way I know, as an educator.