Sexual Harassment Inquiry Shakes College of Europe

A professor at the prestigious College of Europe is under investigation following accusations by female pupils, spanning years, of sexual misconduct.

This esteemed institution educates many of the EU's future leaders.

The inquiry commenced after six past students and employees urged the rector, Federica Mogherini, the ex-EU top diplomat, to fire the professor due to numerous harassment claims. POLITICO's investigations, with all sources anonymous due to the sensitive nature and the accused professor's influential EU connections, have not released his identity.

One alum called the institution's previous lack of response a mafia-like silence. Allegedly inappropriate emails from the accused, dating back over a decade, were provided by four women.

A current student, his advisee, instigated the official probe on February 7 after months of unsettling email exchanges. The college confirmed an ongoing conduct code investigation but did not comment further.

The implicated professor, now on a leave of absence but still teaching elsewhere, is declining to discuss the case until proceedings conclude.

The heart of the issue lies with a student's complaint involving night-time academic emails that swiftly turned personal. The student ceased communication on a family member's advice despite academic dependence on the professor.

Additional allegations have surfaced, with a February 13 letter stressing the professor's behavior wasn’t isolated. The professor denied knowledge of such a letter and deemed his interactions with students normal university conduct.

Past incidents paint a troubling continuity. In 2012, following a complaint, he apologized for overstepping professional boundaries with a student. Despite this and subsequent complaints, promotion and administrative support followed.

The professor refuted a 2014 accusation of stalking and constant messaging, while another student detailed feeling unprotected against his repeated dinner invitations, highlighting the imbalanced power dynamics.

The students' advocacy group mentioned the professor in a survey on gender inequality. While some defended him, others criticized his dismissive attitude towards accusations and refusal to alter his behavior.

In response to increasing awareness and pressure, Mogherini's administration has reinforced a code of conduct for the college with zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

The college maintains confidentiality around the specific case during the investigation, with assurances of decisive action upon finding legitimate evidence. Meanwhile, the professor rebuffs the defamatory claims. Former students and employees, in their communication to Mogherini, call for decisive measures and the professor's removal to uphold the integrity and safety of the college community.