The survey carried out last spring by the Swiss Centre of Expertise in Social Sciences (FORS) revealed a total of 148 unwanted physical acts that could be punished under Swiss criminal law, including four cases of rape, and 42 incidents of sexual molestation. The university comprises around 17,100 students and 4,400 research, teaching and technical staff.
The report also mentioned complaints of “jokes” about sex or sexual orientation (38% of women surveyed and 27% of men), insistent or inappropriate looks (22% of women and 5% of men) and behaviour or criticism about physical appearance (20% of women and 8% of men).
Reports of harassment among UNIL employees were mostly carried out by people holding higher positions, while cases involving students were carried out by other students. However, viewed proportionally the problem was seen to be worse among teachers.
University officials and the Office for Equality said they were “deeply concerned” by the frequency and seriousness of the cases. The findings are “comparable” to other similar institutions, but remain “unacceptable and undignified”, they wrote in the report.
UNIL says it is committed to taking concrete steps to support victims and to regularly monitor the problem. At the beginning of next year, it plans to present a “reformed system to fight harassment and discrimination” at the university and to recruit several specialists to help tackle the problem. In particular, it aims to strengthen prevention and allocate resources to allow victims to be able to speak out freely and to “re-establish trust in the institution that has been shaken”.
More
More
#metoo: EPFL students denounce harassment, racism cases
This content was published on
EPFL students have called out cases of sexism, homophobia and racism at the institution. The EPFL says it has “zero tolerance” for such behaviour.
This content was published on
The Ethos Foundation recommends that shareholders vote against all compensation-related items at the Annual General Meeting on March 7.
Top Swiss firms close to reaching gender quota in boards
This content was published on
The proportion of women on the boards of directors of the fifty largest listed companies in Switzerland currently stands at 28%.
Swiss committee wants to end government resignations during legislative term
This content was published on
Members of the Federal Council should no longer be able to leave office before the end of their term, according to a House of Representatives committee.
Swiss government seat: Ritter and Pfister nominated to succeed Amherd
This content was published on
Markus Ritter from St Gallen and Martin Pfister from Zug were officially nominated by the Centre Party on Friday to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd.
Top Swiss court rejects Russian request for administrative tax assistance
This content was published on
There is currently no reason to transmit banking information to the Russian Federation, the Swiss Federal Court has ruled.
After strike by radiologists, doctors demonstrate in Bern
This content was published on
Following a strike by radiology technicians in Fribourg, doctors, vets, dentists and chiropractors expressed their frustration on Friday outside parliament in the Swiss capital.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
#metoo: EPFL students denounce harassment, racism cases
This content was published on
EPFL students have called out cases of sexism, homophobia and racism at the institution. The EPFL says it has “zero tolerance” for such behaviour.
Abuse accusations: Basel ballet school shuts training division
This content was published on
The Ballettschule Theater Basel will close its vocational training division owing to serious accusations of student abuse.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.