Repercussions of the NUS sexual misconduct cases continue to affect the lives of students and professors on campus. To prevent sexual offences, students at the National University of Singapore (NUS) may face stricter penalties for drinking alcohol.
In this article, you'll read:
- Stricter Enforcement on Alcohol at Nus to Curb Sexual Offences
- An NUS Professor Lost His Job due to Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Stricter Enforcement on Alcohol at NUS to Prevent Sexual Offences
The NUS is considering tougher enforcement on alcohol to prevent sexual offences. Students will soon face a stricter policy on drinking alcohol in campus housing.
Meanwhile, officials discovered that all students' complaints regarding sexual misconduct were related to alcohol consumption. Reports from July to December 2021 involving drinking stated that seven out of eight complaints are about sexual misconduct.
The latest report from the NUS stated that the cases involve students and the school staff.
Along with this, the university decided to expel three students because of the claims made against them. On a similar note, a research staff member from the university resigned in the second half of last year.
“Tougher Enforcement Measures”
A study on sexual offences was done by a task force made up of hostel masters and student leaders. They intend to address the issue of violations committed while under the influence of alcohol. They are currently up to review the current framework and provide recommendations.
Without much explanation, the report said, "Tougher enforcement measures are being considered to deter alcohol consumption on-campus housing premises." In addition, they also stated, "The aim is to educate and change the attitudes and behaviour of hostel residents towards drinking on campus."
Drinking alcohol is prohibited at NUS, according to the code of conduct posted on NUS's website last January.
They do, however, make exceptions at approved campus food and beverage establishments. They will only permit it during specific operation hours or at official university events where alcohol is served.
Along with this, the university can take disciplinary action against any violations of the code of conduct.
The Student Offenders
The police receive eight complaints of sexual misconduct involving students. The first of the three students expelled allegedly touched the complainant inappropriately without consent. However, these instances occurred outside NUS's vicinity.
Meanwhile, the second expelled student allegedly touched multiple individuals inappropriately without consent. Unlike the first one, it happened at a hostel. He also reportedly recorded the whole act without the victim's permission.
As a result, he has been suspended for four semesters. He was also required to complete the 120-hour community-based sanctions and mandated counselling and psychiatric treatment.
Furthermore, the student was barred from the NUS campus during the period of suspension. He will also be blocked from on-campus housing premises until he graduates.
On the other hand, the last student allegedly touched a complainant inappropriately. This time, the incident happened inside the university campus. According to the report, all of these incidents involve the consumption of alcohol.
In January 2021, NUS said reports of sexual misconduct involving its students and staff would be published every six months. They are hoping to strengthen and deepen trust within the NUS community.
An NUS Professor Lost His Job due to Sexual Misconduct Allegations
A professor from the National University of Singapore lost his job after committing sexual misconduct. On the 28th of April, the university fired professor Ethan Putterman. He was an associate professor at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Science's political science department.
He was terminated for "inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour" towards a student. A student complained of sexual misconduct; at present, the police investigations are ongoing.
In a statement, the university said,
"The staff’s actions constituted inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour towards the student.” “Based on the findings of the committee of inquiry and in view of the serious nature of the misconduct, the staff’s employment with the university has been terminated.”
In contrast, Professor Ethan Putterman said,
“I’ll just say that everything was demonstrably consensual and, after admitting it, I resigned from NUS (on March 23), and they accepted it."
He also added,
"NUS chose to fire me regardless and go public with it despite my almost 21 years of service to the university. I’m not bitter, though; we all make mistakes, and life continues. I wish everyone the best. Honestly.”
Professor Putterman's profile page is no longer on the National University of Singapore's website. On the same note, his three other fellow university staff have all lost their jobs due to similar reasons, namely:
- Jeremy Fernando, former Tembusu College fellow;
- Theodore Geoffrey Hopf, former Provost Chair Professor in the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Arts and Social Science; and
- Zheng Yongnian, former Director at the Ease Asian Institute.
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