The University of Antwerp has opened a disciplinary investigation into a leading professor at the faculty of medicine after a report of inappropriate sexual misconduct.
The professor in question has been suspended for six months, pending the outcome of the investigation, Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Nieuwsblad reported on Friday.
A medical student turned to a confidant at the end of June to report the sexual misconduct of a professor at her faculty. The university confirms that an investigation is underway.
“We are unable to comment as a disciplinary investigation is underway within the university”, said Peter De Meyer, spokesperson for the University of Antwerp.
No criminal charges yet
At the moment, only a disciplinary investigation is underway, so there is no criminal investigation concerning the professor since the person concerned has not reported the facts to the Public Prosecutor’s Office or the police.
The Public Prosecutor may decide to take up the case. According to the Belgian press, the investigation was launched during the summer.
The Disciplinary Board of the University of Antwerp will examine the report internally in the coming weeks and months and will then decide whether to extend the suspension or impose a sanction.
