Six PhD students accuse UGent professor of sexual harassment

According to an anonymous source who spoke to members of the press, the professor made it clear he had a sexual interest in the women through physical contact and made appointments with them outside of the workplace.

A thorough investigation into the department’s work culture has just been completed. In the coming weeks, it will be decided how the case will be handled further. The professor has continued to give lectures, under “certain conditions”, but he no longer assists PhD students. He was director of education of the philosophy faculty until the end of last year but gave up this position after discussions with the rector.

The PhD students’ advisor, history professor Jan Dumolyn, fears there may be more cases. “The number of PhD students has increased significantly in the last 15 years,” he told De Morgen. “They depend a great deal on their professors, which makes it difficult to look for help if borders are crossed.” Dumolyn suggested obligatory management courses for professors.

The president of the UGent board of directors, Sas Van Rouveroij, pointed out that new procedures provide more protection to whistleblowers.

Photo courtesy UGent