The University of São Paulo has officially dismissed law professor Alysson Mascaro, who has been accused of sexually harassing students, following a vote by the Faculty of Law in December.
The University of São Paulo (USP) has made a significant move by officially dismissing Alysson Mascaro from his position as a law professor amid allegations of sexual harassment against students. This decision, which was published in the Official State Gazette, follows a vote on December 11 by the Faculty of Law supporting his dismissal, pending ratification by the university's rector. The details surrounding the allegations and the decision are confidential, raising questions about the process.
Mascaro's legal team has publicly condemned the dismissal, claiming that the process leading to it is characterized by 'lawfare' - a manipulation of the legal system to achieve an ulterior purpose - and has been plagued with procedural irregularities. They specifically point to failures in the reporting of the allegations, citing inadequate descriptions and multiple alterations to the complaints. Furthermore, they assert that the professor was not properly notified about the proceedings against him.
In response to the dismissal, the defense has taken steps to challenge the university's actions legally, asserting that they will provide evidence of the alleged irregularities in the investigative process. The implications of this case are substantial not only for Mascaro and his students but also for the broader academic community, as it raises critical questions about procedural fairness and the handling of sexual harassment allegations within educational institutions.
