Leiden Univ. wants to fire professor for bullying, creating culture of fear

Leiden University wants to fire a professor for "long-term unacceptable and often transgressive behavior." The professor is allegedly guilty of abuse of power and manipulation, which has led to a culture of fear amongst the staff. The university will bring the case to a subdistrict court judge to have the professor's contract annulled as quickly as possible, the academic institution announced on Thursday.

The university did not disclose the identity of the professor, and it did not state the faculty where the allegedly abusive behavior occurred. However, 19 people made statements concerning the behavior, and the university's human resources workers were still able to process more complaints should they be filed.

The professor was also accused of appropriating students' research data and research material without permission. "This behavior is a breach of academic integrity," the university added.

The professor's partner, a former university employee, was also allegedly involved in the transgressive behavior. This individual is no longer welcome at the university.

"This has seriously harmed many people, and that affects us deeply," said Annetje Ottow, the executive board president at the university. "Our first concern is for the informants. Given that the professor in question has held administrative posts at the faculty in the past, it took a lot of courage to come forward."

The university has investigated the incidents. The results of the investigation are likely to be published next month.

Leiden University also fired a professor at the end of 2022 for "intimidating and unwanted behavior." Earlier that year, a former psychology researcher and lecturer at the university was also accused of academic fraud and breaching ethics.