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SINGAPORE: After a student from another university was taken to a study hall at the Singapore Management University (SMU) and allegedly harassed, SMU improved its security measures and is waiting for the court case to conclude before deciding on the penalties for the accused.
SMU told CNA in a statement on Thursday (September 10) that the defendant, Lee Yan Ru, 24, remains a student pending the outcome of his trial and disciplinary proceedings from the university.
Lee’s trial opened this week. He is charged with using criminal force against a 22-year-old woman in a study room at SMU at around 6.30am on January 8 last year, with the intent to outrage her modesty.
An SMU spokesperson said the university takes “a firm position against any form of misconduct.”
“As Lee Yan Ru’s case was under police investigation, SMU did not have enough details of the incident before the court trial,” he said.
“The internal investigation and disciplinary proceedings of the university are pending the outcome of the court case.
“If you are found guilty by the university of student misconduct, you can be imposed a number of penalties, including suspension or expulsion, depending on the severity of the misconduct disclosed.”
He added that the university had further improved the safety features of the campus by following the recommendations of its student disciplinary review assignment and completion group last year.
Measures include locking all access points through card access side doors and turnstiles at ground level electronically or by rolling shutters before midnight.
LEE: Woman says she felt angry for being ‘disrespected and degraded’ by an SMU student who allegedly abused her in the classroom
The woman allegedly sexually abused by Lee had met him at school between 12:30 and 1 a.m. on the day of the incident.
The school has also installed more closed-circuit television cameras, such as at building access points and in common areas. The coverage of CCTV monitors outside bathrooms and showers has also improved.
The woman had alleged during the trial that Lee followed her to the women’s bathroom.
SMU has also put up more signs warning against illegal entry to restrooms and showers, and implemented more regular campus patrols and CCTV camera reviews in all of its buildings and areas of campus.
READ: SMU Sexual Abuse Trial: Defense Claims Woman is Lying and Giving ‘Completely Illogical’ Account of Events
The disciplinary review of students also resulted in the formation of a student support unit. This unit is the first responder unit for sexual misconduct and harassment, and will provide professional care and support to students affected by misconduct and harassment.
The prosecution closed their case on Wednesday and both parties will meet next month to set new trial dates. The defendant is ready to take the stand and open the defense case thereafter.
