In recent weeks, Belgian universities – especially in the north of the country – have been affected by a wave of revelations of sexual assault within them. In the columns of our colleagues from Morgen, the climatologist Jean-Pascal van Ypersele reveals this Monday similar behavior at UCLouvain, where he officiates as a professor.
The doctor of physical sciences says he is aware of a dozen cases, affecting at least six different faculties. “The testimonials are valid. It’s not regarding rumors and gossip“, insists the professor. The attacks in question vary between inappropriate jokes on the outfit of collaborators or students, from hands to buttocks, sexual advances, even physical attacks (blows, forced hugs…). An attempted rape was even reported.
Flagrant impunity
What alerts the member of the IPCC is above all the glaring lack of reactions on the part of the university authorities, who are generally aware of the facts. “Victims were gagged in at least three cases“, he explains. “There are never any sanctions worthy of the name. For example, the man who forced a woman to kiss him later became a dean“, laments the professor.
According to the expert, the perpetrators are often men in positions of responsibility, who are protected by the rectorate in the event of accusation. Some victims are also intimidated or threatened to prevent complaints from being filed once morest university employees.
“This must stop”
If the emeritus climatologist speaks today, it is not to “pillory” some of his colleagues, but to put an end to the spiral and the system in place. “I absolutely have to prepare my work for the UN climate panel, but I also have to deal with these issues. I can’t stay silent“, he hammers. “What these women go through at UCLouvain is flagrantly unfair. This must stop. I would not forgive myself if I remained silent. I don’t want to be one of those looking away from the #MeToo movement in college because it’s more comfortable.” concludes Jean-Pascal van Ypersele.
