Tel Aviv University Faces Growing Pressure to Name Convicted Professor
Academic staff at Tel Aviv University are demanding the public disclosure of an 80-year-old professor emeritus convicted of sexual harassment, citing student safety and professional transparency.
Pressure is mounting on Tel Aviv University to disclose the identity of an 80-year-old professor emeritus convicted of sexual harassment and professional misconduct. Following widespread protests by faculty members, the academic staff organization officially petitioned the disciplinary tribunal on Thursday, demanding a reconsideration of the decision to withhold his name while safeguarding the privacy of the complainants.
The organization, which represents teaching and research assistants, noted that one of the affected employees falls under its representation. In a letter addressed to tribunal head Prof. Miguel Deutsch, the organization emphasized that the verdict details a severe pattern of behavior involving multiple individuals, noting that academic power dynamics make it difficult for vulnerable staff to speak out. "It is unacceptable that concern for the convicted individual's reputation should overshadow the toll paid by those harmed by his actions," the letter stated.
A central argument raised in the correspondence concerns the possibility that the professor could resume supervising students after a two-year ban expires. The organization stressed that selecting an advisor critically impacts the academic and professional futures of researchers. As long as his identity remains concealed, students considering working under his supervision could unknowingly enter dependent relationships without knowing about the conviction. The letter was signed by organization chair Ori Vollman, the staff team, and committee members.
Furthermore, the letter highlighted a dissenting opinion within the tribunal that initially supported publishing the name. The organization also pointed out that the professor continues to deny the allegations, a stance that the tribunal noted further compounded the distress of the victims. Copies of the letter were forwarded to university president Prof. Ariel Porat and CEO Gadi Frank.
In response, Tel Aviv University stated that upon receiving the complaint, it launched a thorough internal investigation and initiated disciplinary proceedings, advocating for severe penalties and the public disclosure of the offender's name. The university emphasized that the disciplinary tribunal operates as an independent body that ultimately reached its own conclusion, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment and workplace bullying.
