Osaka University

• Recipient of disciplinary action: Professor (male, 60s)

• Disciplinary action: Disciplinary dismissal

• Date of disciplinary action: March 26, 2021

Facts regarding the violation

Using his status as a professor, the offender repeatedly committed acts of sexual harassment against faculty and staff members at work, such as forcing them to provide unwanted physical contact over an extended period under the guise of assisting them in their careers. He also committed power harassment against faculty and staff members at work, such as using abusive language and forcing them to resign from their jobs.

After investigating the facts of this case, the Task Force on Harassment at Osaka University recognized the offender’s actions as sexual harassment and power harassment against faculty and staff members at Osaka University.

The university deems that the offender’s inappropriate behavior undermines the university’s dignity and respect and damages the university's reputation and trust. Thus, the university has taken disciplinary action against him, disciplinary dismissal, pursuant to Article 37, Section 2, Item 5 of Work Regulations at National University Corporation Osaka University.

*In order to protect the victims, the university will not release the details of the offender’s behavior and identifiable information regarding the victims.

• Recipient of disciplinary action: Associate Professor (male, 40s)

• Disciplinary action: Suspension for 3 months

• Date of disciplinary action: March 26, 2021

Facts regarding the violation

The offender, in a position of superiority, committed repeated acts of power harassment against faculty and staff members at work, such as accusing them of persistently and repeatedly misusing goods, using abusive language, and forcing them to resign from their jobs.

After investigating the facts of this case, the Task Force on Harassment at Osaka University recognized the offender’s actions as power harassment against faculty and staff members at Osaka University.

The university deems that the offender’s inappropriate behavior undermines the university’s dignity and respect, and has taken disciplinary action against him, suspension for 3 months, pursuant to Article 37, Section 2, Item 3 of Work Regulations at National University Corporation Osaka University.

*In order to protect the victims, the university will not release the details of the offender’s behavior and identifiable information regarding the victims.

Comment from President Nishio

These faculty members committed despicable acts, abusing their superiority to repeatedly harass faculty and staff members at work over an extended period. Harassment by a faculty member is inappropriate behavior and is unacceptable in education and research. The university has severely punished the offenders.

Osaka University will continue to make efforts to raise awareness of harassment prevention and take measures to ensure a harassment-free environment.