Hebrew University Faces Outrage Over Handling of Doctoral Student's Sexual Abuse Complaint
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hebrew University criticized for handling of sexual abuse complaint.
- Doctoral student Johanna Steinmeier died before her case concluded.
- Her supervisor faced allegations of sexual abuse.
- University officials admit the punishment for the professor was inadequate.
- Steinmeier's friends are outraged by the university's actions.
A doctoral student at the Hebrew University, Johanna Steinmeier, who accused her supervisor of sexual abuse and emotional manipulation, died by suicide before her case was fully resolved. Steinmeier alleged that the professor and supervisor had forced her to sleep in the same bed dozens of times. Her complaint was handled by the university's internal tribunal for nearly three years, with friends of Steinmeier claiming that the professor and supervisor and his lawyers deliberately caused delays. Steinmeier's body was found in her apartment in January, and the circumstances of her death are still officially undetermined.
Following the tribunal's proceedings, the professor and supervisor was reportedly offered a position at a prestigious institution and was required to pay only two salaries to Steinmeier's family. This outcome has angered Steinmeier's friends, who are expressing frustration and despair over the university's handling of the case. Senior university officials have acknowledged that the punishment was "ridiculous" and that "people knew and did not stop it in time."
Read the original at Haaretz
