University Dean Resigns from Office Following Verbal Harassment on Video Conference

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Unaware that his camera and microphone were on in a video conference, Prof. Orhan Acar, the Dean of Gazi University Faculty of Science, was heard saying, "We see the pictures of girls like that, just play along."

The verbal harassment of the dean has caused outrage, especially on social media. Shortly afterwards, Acar has resigned from office. The university administration has also taken legal action against him.

University has announced the resignation

Releasing a written statement, Gazi University in the capital city of Ankara has announced the resignation of Acar in following words: "While a legal action has been taken against Prof. Orhan Acar, the Acting Dean of our university's Faculty of Science, over his remarks reported in the press and social media, he resigned from office on May 13 for the good of the process."

The remarks uttered by Acar during the video conference call have caused outrage on social media. Some of the messages are as follows:

Video konferans görüşmesinde kameranın açık olduğunu fark etmeyen Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Fakültesi Dekanı Orhan Acar,
"Kızların resimlerini de görüyoruz böylece çaktırma" dedi

Akademi de cinsiyetçiliğe, kadın düşmanlığına, tacizcilere yer yok.
Orhan Acar görevden alınsın! pic.twitter.com/EdVkIGPuFz

— Kadın Savunması (@kadinsavunmasi) May 13, 2020

Women's Defense:

"Having not realized that the camera was on in a video conference call, Gazi University Faculty of Science Dean Orhan Acar said, 'We see the pictures of girls like that, just play along.' There is no room for sexism, misogyny or harassment in academia. Suspend Orhan Acar from duty."

"Süreç selameti" ne demek? Bu da yeni bir kavram mı? Rektörlük düzeyinde yapılan açıklamanın dili dikkate değer. #GaziÜniversitesi pic.twitter.com/nkh7378OPc

— nihan aksakalli (@NihanAksakalli) May 13, 2020

Academic Nihan Aksakallı:

"What do you mean by 'for the good of the process'? Is it a new notion or something? The language used on the level of university presidency is worthy of attention." (EMK/SD)