UCSC students speak out about allegations against professor
The words ” embrace diversity ” are posted throughout UCSC’s campus, but a message from the school’s provost said one professor may have done just the opposite.
This week, the university announced engineering professor, Dimitris Achlioptas , was placed on leave. This came after allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination, based on gender, religions, and race, were brought to light.
Students said the professor targeted a Muslim graduate student and called him a ” terrorist. ” ” No matter what your race, no matter what your religion, a professor should not make that kind of comment against you, ” said UCSC freshman, Fiza Rahmen .
Scott Hernandez-Jason, spokesperson for UCSC , said the allegations became public earlier this year on social media. He said, at the time, engineering students and staff were alerted of an investigation. Now that word has spread, the university has decided to inform all students. ” It’s important for us to have diversity, but also that everyone feels included and not targeted for any sort of discrimination. Allegations such as these are deeply troubling to our campus, ” said Hernandez-Jason.
Sophomore, Mohamed Elattma , said the news hit home. As a student of Muslim faith, he said he is saddened that a situation like this enfolded on his own campus. “I have been in this person’s position when I was in middle school. It didn’t make me feel good at all. I felt alienated from society, ” said Elattma .
Others fear this could discourage students from pursuing their education at UCSC . “If that continues to happen, a lot of Muslims won’t be going to class, ” said Rahmen .
Achiloptas ‘ attorney, Michael J. DeNiro , said the professor has full faith in the due process at UCSC and is confident he will be exonerated when the investigation ends.
