Campus

UE TEACHERS ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

OFFICIALS of the University of the East were urged to investigate claims that some of their faculty members had sexually harassed students.

/ 21 September 2022

OFFICIALS of the University of the East were urged to investigate claims that some of their faculty members had sexually harassed students.

The allegations went viral on social media after Jenniel Villanueva posted a blind item on his Facebook account accusing a teacher of sexual misconduct.

A report by the school’s publication the RedWire said that a learner received unwanted sexual advances from married teachers who would often reply to her Facebook stories with inappropriate messages such as “ganda” and “sexy.”

Another learner shared that their teacher would groom girls and tell sex jokes and were “very touchy” with female students.

“The council vehemently denounces and rejects all forms of harassment and dehumanizing acts that have been circulating in our university since time immemorial,” UE-Caloocan Central Student Council said in a statement.

“Such acts are revolting and disgusting, and at its core have no place in educational institutions. The council reiterates that individual cases of harassment shall not be considered as one unfortunate incident or an isolated case that will simply be ignored,” it added.

The CSC pointed out that ignoring these issues would result in “more cases of impunity, exploitation, harassment, and the likes within academic spaces.”

“The UE Caloocan CSC is actively lobbying adequate procedures in resolving sexual harassment cases within or outside the university premises—which directly affects the safety and welfare of the students. The council is committed to forwarding or institutionalizing reforms that our University is a safe space for all,” it stressed.

The UE-Caloocan Basic Education Department said that it is looking into the allegations.

“Relative to the concern that was posted online this weekend, we would like to assure you that we have created an institutional committee to look into all allegations raised,” the department said.

“We would like to ensure everyone that UE is a school that fosters learning and respect for everyone; thus we condemn any form of harassment, judgment, and exclusionary behavior within and beyond the campus,” it said.