A Saint Joseph’s College teacher has been told to take leave until sexual harassment allegations against him are cleared.
The allegations were made and then withdrawn when he was working at the University of the South Pacific, but he was “let go”.
Director of Catholic Education Aeau Chris Hazelman said they were only made aware of the allegations against the man on last Tuesday.
The man was a former staff member at the University of the South Pacific but was “let go” following allegations “of a sexual nature” leveled against him by female USP students. The Samoa Observer understands that a complaint has been lodged with the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG).
President of the organization, Lina Chang confirmed that the complaint lodged with them is of a sexual harassment nature but she declined to discuss the details.
She said there had been allegations against him by students, mainly girls, but these were withdrawn.
USP interim Campus Director, Leatuaolevao Ruby Va’a confirmed that he was a staff member at the university “but he was never a teacher.” She declined to confirm exactly whether the complaints from students were of sexual harassment. She said it was unfortunate that they were not given the chance to investigate.
“So we ended up with allegations,” she said adding that they were “very serious.”
A complaint was also not filed with the Police.
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