On Tuesday, June 10, Sun Yat-sen University of Guangzhou, Guangdong, suspended a professor's tenure after accusations of sexual misconduct were confirmed, according to China Daily.
Zhang Peng, a 40-year-old professor of primatology, was reported to have sexually harassed at least nine female students and colleagues over the last seven years. The university was first alerted on April 8 of this year by one of the students, and again on Youth Day in May when five victims lobbied for action.
The accusations prompted executive investigations, which found the incidents to be a recurring offense.
Sun Yat-sen University, heeding the investigation's recommendations, stripped Zhang of his current teaching privileges and his credentials to teach masters' and doctoral courses. His place in the university’s prestigious Chang Jiang Scholars program and corresponding title were also revoked.
In a formal statement, Sun Yat-sen University reasserted its emphasis on academic morality and on firmly upholding ethical conduct on and off campus.
"Violators will not be tolerated, regardless of who they are," the statement says. "We will abide by all relevant laws and regulations to safeguard the legal rights of our students."
The incident has spawned much debate through comment platforms.
An interview with one of the victims by China Newsweek reveals that she sees these actions as a step forward, preserving the university’s reputation. A second hopes that this could set the example for future cases.
[Image via China Newsweek]
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