Leiden University fires professor for intimidating behavior

part of the university.Photo: Vysotsky, via Wikimedia Commons

A professor at Leiden University has been dismissed following a years-long investigation into allegations of (sexual) intimidation, the university said. statement.

Complaints against the professor, whose names have not been released, were reportedly filed by four female colleagues and were corroborated by multiple male witnesses.

Annetje Ottow, chairman of the university’s board of trustees, told the university’s periodicals: Mare The professor’s behavior formed a “pattern of consistent badmouthing, abuse of power, sexism, public humiliation, and career-destroying threats.”

At least one case of sexual remarks and unwanted physical contact was also reported, she said.

A subsequent investigation by an independent commission found the complaints to be justified, and the professor was barred from holding his posts, including supervision of doctoral students and other educational activities.

However, the university said he had not been fired because his scientific credentials had not been questioned and there was no reason to remove him from his professorship. can be done.

“I’m ashamed to death. He will never be welcome to this university again,” Otto told Mahle.