Student-run group calls for greater transparency in NUS' handling of sexual misconduct case against former lecturer

SINGAPORE — A student-run group from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has called on the university to clarify exactly what had happened to lead to the dismissal of former lecturer Jeremy Fernando, who was accused of sexual misconduct.

This is one of five demands from Students for a Safer NUS (SafeNUS), which noted in a Facebook post on Monday (Oct 19) that the first statement from the university about the matter was issued only two weeks after Dr Fernando’s dismissal and had “sparse” information.

In its statement on Sunday, NUS had said that Dr Fernando, who taught at Tembusu College — one of NUS’ four residential colleges — was found to have “fallen short of the standards of professionalism that the university expects of a teaching staff”, after an internal probe following two complaints of “inappropriate” behaviour.

SafeNUS also noted that this statement was only released after some individuals had written about the incident on social media.

“While we fully understand the importance of confidentiality in such cases to protect survivors’ identities, it is not the same as silence on the subject,” said the group.

SafeNUS said it has thus requested the following from the university:

• A statement from NUS to clarify what happened

• Access to the NUS staff code of conduct

• Information on what NUS is doing to support the survivors of the incidents related to Dr Fernando’s dismissal

• Talks between NUS and students to develop better safety measures

• Moving away from short-term penalties for sexual misconduct towards more “transformative” forms of justice that will help survivors heal

It is crucial that the university acts transparently, the group said in its post.

“This is especially important as the allegations are of violence committed by a member of staff.

“Action from the institution, or lack thereof, signals to students how accountable the institution is willing to be in matters of student safety.”

This includes being transparent with the survivors throughout the reporting process, understanding what they want to be done following investigation and sharing information about existing and future follow-up measures taken by the university to the student body, the group added.

In response to TODAY’s queries, NUS said it is aware of the statement issued by the student group.

“We thank the students for raising their concerns and sharing suggestions with us,” the university said, adding that it is studying the statement and will reach out to safeNUS in due course.

SafeNUS was formed last year following a high-profile case in which then-undergraduate Monica Baey was filmed by a fellow student while showering in a hostel bathroom. She took to social media to air her ire at how the university had handled the case, which led to a national discussion about sexual misconduct on campuses and changes to disciplinary frameworks at NUS and other universities.