In response to transgressive behavior on our campus, Jan Danckaert addresses students and staff with this message.
Dear students and colleagues,
The VUB community has again been confronted by the painful consequences of transgressive behaviour on our campus.
I completely understand the frustration, anxiety and uncertainties regarding how this latest sanction effects those who have come forward, as well as other students and the entire VUB community. I also have heard the call for this procedure to be faster, more transparent, more just.
Let me assure you that these complaints have been taken very seriously from the start. That we insisted that anyone who was personally effected come forward. That we listened to everyone who did come forward. That we asked them to be as specific as possible about what happened because this was crucial in putting together the file. That disciplinary proceedings in good faith and with respect for the students concerned – with the necessary discretion and respect with regards to all the facts of the cases – took place as quickly as possible. That the Disciplinary Committee, which consists equally of student and staff representatives, reached its verdict unanimously, in all independence and without any pressure from inside or outside, by which the offender received the second-most serious sanction the VUB can hand down.
Still the victims involved in this case have found the procedure to be inadequate. This is why all areas of the university are involved in improving the Helpdesk and in establishing an independent contact point in cooperation with the relevant government minister and other universities. We are also looking into the working procedures of the Disciplinary Committee, the communication with regards to sexual misconduct and – not least of all – the support offered to victims. In addition, several working groups are examining ways to improve our deontological code, to raise awareness and organise trainings on unwanted behaviour and to proactively communicate all of this to the entire VUB community.
It is not the case that these actions will only begin during the next academic year. We began updating and improving the Helpdesk’s procedures and policies in February, and every VUB-er reporting sexual misconduct has been guided through the process.
We can do better, we are very aware of that. And we are working on it. In the meantime, we are continuing to support and to provide guidance to all of the victims.
I am convinced that the course we have been following since earlier this year and the lessons we have drawn from the current and past cases of sexual misconduct will lead to a university that is a safe place for everyone who studies and works here. We need everyone in our university community to make this a reality. Together we will be able to rise to the challenge.
Jan Danckaert
Rector ad interim