Storm at Tel Aviv University: Demand to Reveal the Name of a Professor Convicted of Sexual Harassment
Faculty members at Tel Aviv University are calling for a review of the disciplinary court's decision to keep the name of a professor convicted of sexual harassment confidential, warning that after two years he will be able to supervise students again.
Faculty members at Tel Aviv University are calling on the university administration to reconsider the decision to maintain the confidentiality of the name of a professor emeritus convicted by the disciplinary court of sexual harassment and conduct unbecoming an academic faculty member. In an opinion piece obtained by Walla, they criticize the fact that after two years from the date of sentencing, the professor will be able to supervise students again, even though his identity remains confidential. The faculty members wrote that the verdict and sentencing reveal a picture of ongoing harm to female students, researchers, and employees. According to them, the court found the complainants' testimonies credible, rejected the professor's claim of a conspiracy against him, and determined that his actions caused severe damage to the complainants and the university. The faculty members noted that his advanced age was the deciding factor in the publication issue, in the court's words, "though somewhat reluctantly." Regarding continued supervision, they wrote that the court ruled that "given the nature of the offenses, it is appropriate to limit for a certain period the defendant's presence in a position of authority" — the restriction was set for two years from the date of sentencing. The faculty members argue that the combination of name confidentiality and the possibility of returning to supervise makes it difficult for students to make an informed decision when choosing an advisor. In the letter, the faculty members also criticized the weight given, in their view, to the professor's scientific contribution in determining the punishment. "Academic excellence cannot serve as a mitigating circumstance in sexual harassment or abuse," they wrote. Alongside the request to reconsider the confidentiality in this case, the faculty members call on the university to establish a policy whereby scientific achievements and academic reputation will not be used as a consideration for leniency in punishment in cases of sexual harassment and abuse within authority relations.