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SINGAPORE: After a series of sexual misconduct cases, the National University of Singapore (NUS) outlined plans to intensify its approach to such incidents, including promptly reporting crimes to the police and exploring bystander training. .
In an email to students, alumni, and faculty members seen by the CNA, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye pointed out recent cases of sexual misconduct at local universities, with some at NUS involving members of the faculty.
“Regardless of whether these incidents occurred on or off campus, such behavior threatens the safety and well-being of our NUS community. It desecrates the campus atmosphere that is precious to all of us,” he wrote.
“The sad truth is that no matter how hard we try, sexual misconduct cannot be completely eradicated. However, we must be relentless in our desire and effort to tackle the problem head-on. Our approach must be holistic, fair, transparent. and sensitive. “
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After a recent review, NUS has “further strengthened” its framework in handling cases of sexual misconduct, wrote Professor Tan.
Building a culture of respect is a top priority, he said, adding that all NUS students and teachers must be aware of the risk of sexual misconduct, be committed to avoiding it and know how to “handle it institutionally.”
OBSERVER TRAINING
While all students and staff are currently receiving respect and consent training, NUS plans to introduce refresher courses to reinforce this, said Professor Tan.
The university is also exploring training of bystanders “to emphasize the important role and social responsibility of bystanders” to detect sexual misconduct and take appropriate action.
“There are additional plans to hold workshops to build an inclusive and respectful culture on campus, and to strengthen the training of staff who will likely be the first to respond in cases where sexual misconduct has occurred,” he added.
Changes have also been made to the university’s internal process to ensure that police reports are processed more quickly. The law requires NUS to report any crimes that can be arrested, including voyeurism, outrage at modesty and rape, said Professor Tan.
For crimes that can be arrested, NUS will now ensure that a police report is made no later than two weeks after the conclusion of the Board of Discipline or Investigation Committee deliberations, he wrote. A police report can be filed earlier if circumstances warrant.
Noting that being more open and transparent about crimes of sexual misconduct is “critical to building trust” and cultivating a culture of respect on campus, Professor Tan said the university will share relevant information on the allegations and the results of the research with the NUS community in a “proactive and timely” manner.
“We will continue this practice, whenever possible, without compromising the privacy and well-being of the victim (s),” he wrote.
In the recent case of Dr. Jeremy Fernando, who was fired from Tembusu College in October after his intimate relationships with a student came to light, students had criticized NUS for its handling of the case, citing a lack of communication. The first complaint against Dr. Fernando was filed on August 27 and on October 18 the first email was sent to the students on the matter.
READ: NUS has ‘fallen short’ in handling Jeremy Fernando’s firing, says Tembusu College Chancellor Tommy Koh
READ: Fired NUS teacher had “close association” with BA; University makes police report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
To raise awareness of sexual misconduct in the NUS community, the university plans to issue a report every six months on cases of sexual misconduct involving staff and / or students, said Professor Tan. Facts will be written for each case to avoid the identification of the victims.
Referring to two recent cases, the firings of Dr. Fernando and Professor Theodore Hopf, the university president said this is evidence that NUS takes sexual misconduct cases involving staff seriously.
He added that disciplinary action will be swift for staff members who have violated the Code of Conduct, he said: “There are cases of sexual misconduct that involve the interaction of unequal power relations, which are more egregious. That is why the University must treat them very seriously. ”
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The Victims Attention Unit of the university will also be renamed the NUS Attention Unit. He is currently supporting victimized students, but by the second quarter of 2021, he will extend his care programs to NUS staff, announced Professor Tan.
The Victim Care Unit was established in August 2019, months after college student Monica Baey spoke online about how NUS responded when a fellow student filmed her in a shelter shower.
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“Many of the above measures will be phased in over the next few months. This is the University’s commitment to all staff and students. As NUS administration, it is our duty. You are assured that we will spare no effort on our part to ensuring a safe and conducive university environment, “wrote Professor Tan.
“However, we have to face the reality that we face a very complex and multifaceted challenge. We need to work together and not against each other.”
COMMON POLICY FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS
Over the past 18 months, the Office of the Senior Vice President and Chancellor at has reviewed the university’s staff misconduct and sexual harassment policies and established a campus-wide committee on sexual misconduct by staff, the president said. of the University.
The team is now evaluating how to best implement the committee’s recommendations, and more details will be shared later, he added. The university will also develop a common sexual misconduct policy applicable to all staff and students.
Reaffirming the university’s position against sexual misconduct, Professor Tan wrote: “Every victim of sexual misconduct is too much. The University takes a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct.”
“We have instituted strict policies and regulations to address such misconduct. Enforcement will be swift, firm, and unwavering.”
