Boaventura Santos demands independent commission to refute allegations of harassment

Sociologist Boaventura Souza Santos called on the Center for Social Research (CES) of the University of Coimbra (UC) to set up, as “as soon as possible”, an independent commission that would investigate allegations of moral and sexual harassment against him.

“I intend to be called to investigate the charges that may be brought against me,” the former director emeritus of CES said in a letter sent to the governing bodies and staff of the research center, which Lusa had access to.

Boaventura Souza Santos claims he is “in good conscience” in the face of the allegations he has been subjected to since April by researchers who in this capacity have been associated with the institution over the past decade.

“In my time and place, I will refute them one by one, but it pains me that CES does not seem to be interested in listening to my voice,” complained the 82-year-old professor emeritus.

In the letter, he emphasizes that, “as is often the case with media lynching cases—because that’s what it’s all about—new allegations are always raised and the right to a defense is denied.”

“I am concerned that there is still no (…) independent commission to investigate complaints. CoES cannot sit idly by without responding to complaints received. I am also concerned about the consequences that such passivity could have on part of the SES, which could threaten its existence,” he warns.

Boaventura Sousa Santos recalls that he stepped back from his duties at the center “to facilitate an investigation which he thought would be good to carry out”.

“To date, however, no progress has been made in this regard. The only consequence of my self-withdrawal was that my advice was withdrawn from me, which I do not accept,” he criticizes, repeating that he “categorically denies the allegations of a sexual nature and extractiveness attributed to him.”

For the sociologist, “in view of the seriousness of these accusations (…) the Center for Social Research must act quickly.”

“CES has always been an institution that has struggled with practices attributed to me. The work of decades cannot be destroyed because of some baseless graffiti,” he emphasizes.

In his opinion, it is important that his academic colleagues, justice and the media “know the truth.”

“I want there to be a process, internal or external, so that I can defend myself (…) that is recognized internationally.

He argues that CES “should adapt its tools to all types of complaints in order to protect those who feel offended and also protect those who are being falsely accused.”

Lusa tried to contact CES director António Souza Ribeiro, but failed.

This Thursday, in statements to the Público newspaper, António Sousa Ribeiro confirmed that the announced commission has not yet been established because the process is “much longer” than expected.

According to the official, an independent commission will be created “in the near future.”