Unpad suspends lecturer over alleged sexual violence on campus

Sumedang (ANTARA) - Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) has temporarily suspended a lecturer suspected of involvement in a sexual violence case within the campus environment. Unpad Rector Prof Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita emphasised that the university does not tolerate any form of sexual violence and will follow up on every report seriously in accordance with applicable regulations. According to him, this step was taken after the campus received a complete report regarding the alleged sexual violence case involving one of the professors. In addition to suspending the lecturer, Unpad has also formed an investigation team to conduct an objective and comprehensive investigation involving the Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (Satgas PPKS) and Faculty Senate representatives. He stated that the campus remains cautious in the proof process to avoid erroneous decisions, although support is still given to the victim. He affirmed that if violations are proven during the investigation, Unpad will impose sanctions in accordance with the regulations and applicable laws. “Unpad will always pay close attention to the proof procedure meticulously through the available mechanisms to avoid erroneous decisions, although Unpad’s point of support is towards the victim,” he stressed. Unpad ensures that the handling of violence is not only for this case but also as part of comprehensive efforts to create a safe and conducive campus environment. The campus also invites the entire community, including the academic community, to support efforts to prevent and handle violence in the higher education environment.