University teachers union: UWI must address claims staff member committed sexual assault

West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT) president Dr Indira Rampersad is calling on the administration at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine to deal expeditiously with allegations of sexual assault made against a member of staff.

The sexual allegations against a staff member were made on social media and were later joined by others who said they had had similar experiences.

Rampersad said she understood the person was an instructor, not a lecturer.

“We understand the accused person is an instructor. WIGUT does not represent instructors, therefore he’s not a WIGUT member. Nonetheless, as the watchdog of the campus, a trade union, and the representative bargaining body of academic, senior administrative, and professional staff, WIGUT does not condone misfeasance from any member of the university community.

Therefore, WIGUT hopes that the campus management would deal with these serious allegations and any other similar allegations expeditiously.”

In a statement on Thursday, UWI said it noted with deep concern “serious allegations appearing on social media platforms against one of its teaching staff regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault, and inappropriate use of university premises. The campus administration wishes to assure the university community and our stakeholders that these allegations are being taken seriously and the matter is being appropriately addressed.”

Attempts to get comments from the office of the university's campus registrar were unsuccessful.