The National University of Singapore (NUS) has issued a statement on Saturday, saying that it will convene a committee to review the current disciplinary and support frameworks. This is in response to the allegations by an undergraduate student about the inaction of the school regarding the complaint that another student filmed her at the showers.
Ms Monica Baey took to her Instagram account on 18 April to call out the school for trying to protect the man who had filmed her in the shower.
According to her posts, Ms Baey had been filmed in the shower by male student. She made a police report immediately following the incident and the perpetrator was identified, along with CCTV and video evidence of him committing the act.
Unfortunately, following an investigation, the man in question was said to be only slapped with a 12-month conditional warning. She added that he will only be punished if he re-offends in the next 12 months.
Ms Baey furiously pointed out that this isn’t the first incident of its kind to happen at NUS, noting that many other women have fallen victim to being filmed in the shower.
When Ms Baey tried to appeal for a heavier sentence with the police, she was told by the investigation officer that that we should have to ‘just accept the outcome’. She added that the officer then said, “If you want real consequences or more action to be taken, go to NUS and push for action”.
Ms Baey said she did approached NUS to push for a stronger punishment from the school but the only thing they did was to forward her a letter of apology from the perpetrator.
Her sharing of her experience was widely reported on social-political platforms on Friday this week and stirred up the public, asking for the university to explain its actions.
The statement signed off by Associate Professor Peter Pang, NUS’ Dean of Students wrote,
“We are sorry for Miss Monica Baey’s distressing experience, which is of extreme concern to the University. We are in the process of reaching out to her to offer our support and assistance.
What has been committed is senous and investigated by the Police and we understand that the male student concerned received a 12-month conditional warning from the police
When such offences are committed, the NUS Board of Discipline. which comprises student and faculty representatives, will also conduct its own disciplinary proceedings.
It will consider factors such as the severity of the offence. the need for justice for the victim, the rehabilitative needs of the student offender, the safety of the NUS community, and also the decisions and penalties imposed by the authorities.
We hear the concerns expressed by members of our community and the public about having a safer and more supportive campus environment. and recognise that advances in camera technology can be easily abused.
NUS President will convene a committee to review the current disciplinary and support frameworks. This committee, which will have representation from the NUS Board of Trustees, will study the approaches taken by other international institutions, and solicit views from various stakeholders. We expect to share the findings of the study and follow up actions in the new academic year.”
TOC has written to Ms Baey for her response on the statement issued by the NUS.
