Chinese university sacks professor over sexual misconduct accusations
Alleged victim hails success of the #MeToo movement, which seeks to expose sexual predators
A Chinese university has sacked a prestigious scholar following accusations of sexual misconduct against him by multiple women, the result of a campaign heralded by his chief accuser as the start of a Chinese chapter of the #MeToo movement.
Beihang University in Beijing said in a message on its official microblog late on Thursday that an investigation found that Chen Xiaowu’s behaviour had violated professional ethics and created an “odious influence on society”.
Chen has been relieved of his duties, including as professor and deputy head of graduate students, it said.
“Morality and ability are paired; actions and talent are one. This is the demand of Beihang’s values and the school has zero tolerance for violations of professorial ethics,” the statement said, pledging also to upgrade mechanisms and increase its attention to such issues.
The official China News Service said the move followed accusations of sexual misconduct against Chen by Luo Xixi, a Chinese academic now based in the US, and at least five other women. The allegations date from as far back as a dozen years ago.