2020-02-26

GHENT - The measures that Flemish universities have taken to lower the threshold for reporting transgressive behaviour are effective at first sight. The number of reports has increased, among others at the University of Ghent, because victims (dare to) report faster. However, that does not mean that all problems are solved.

The release of general data about reports remains problematic, as the protection of privacy is invoked as a reason for non-disclosure. The follow-up and specific approach to reports are still not being done sufficiently. Fear to jeopardise one's career within the academic world prevents victims from speaking freely. A complete culture change within the closedness of universities, equal treatment for everyone and clear monitoring of reports and transparency are possible, but require a thorough commitment from the universities.

Sofia Van Nuffel

Sofia Van Nuffel is a Belgian freelance investigative journalist.
€2.200 allocated on 16/12/2019.
ID
FPD/2019/1676

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