Dili, 25 May 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Rector of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) declared that the institution will not tolerate any lecturer who commits acts of sexual harassment against students.
According to the Rector of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), Juviano Antonio da Costa, he stated he will not tolerate lecturers who commit sexual harassment against students. He promised to take strict disciplinary action in accordance with the law and the university’s internal regulations to protect the integrity and safety of students.
“I do not tolerate sexual harassment. We need an environment and conditions that are safe for students and lecturers to carry out the teaching and learning process. We must respect what sexuality itself means and not commit sexual harassment. Therefore, those who have committed it should not feel aggrieved, as the process has already taken place so they can receive their sanctions,” said the Rector of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) at the Government Palace (22/05/2025).
The UNTL Rector also stated that a lecturer’s role is to honor students and be a good example, not to commit acts of sexual harassment.
“According to the rules that exist, in the situation that is happening now, they will no longer be allowed to teach, because a professor must be a good example, not commit acts of sexual harassment,” added the UNTL Rector.
A lecturer who commits sexual harassment against a student uses their academic position and authority to engage in unwelcome sexual behavior, such as unethical comments, non-consensual physical contact, messages with sexual connotations, or requesting sexual favors in exchange for grades and study opportunities.
Therefore, universities normally have a zero-tolerance policy, confidential complaint mechanisms, and an obligation to protect students from such acts and ensure justice for victims.
Reporting: Trainee Novita
Photo: Trainee Novita