Tsukuba University Faculty Member Posts Discriminatory Comments About Foreigners; University Apologizes on Website and Proceeds with Investigation
A faculty member from Tsukuba University has made discriminatory remarks about foreigners on social media, prompting the university to issue an apology and launch an investigation.
A faculty member at Tsukuba University has come under scrutiny for social media posts in which he stated that foreigners coming to Japanese universities generally possess low abilities and are often troublemakers. In another incident, a different faculty member made inappropriate comments related to the elections in Thailand. These revelations came to light following interviews with involved parties. In response, the university published a document on its website on the 13th, acknowledging that the posts contained discriminatory expressions towards foreigners and showed a lack of respect towards their nations. The university extended its sincere apologies to those who may have felt discomfort due to the mentioned remarks.
The university's administration indicated that such behavior by faculty members may breach employment regulations and the established guidelines for social media use. Consequently, they are undertaking an investigation into both faculty members involved to evaluate the validity of the claims and the potential consequences they might face. This action from the university reflects a broader issue regarding how educational institutions deal with discrimination and the conduct of their staff in relation to the global community.
This incident raises significant questions about the treatment of foreigners in Japan, especially in higher education, and the responsibilities that universities have in promoting an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. As the investigation progresses, it will be critical for Tsukuba University to not only address the immediate concerns raised but also to establish stronger policies and practices to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment for all students and faculty, irrespective of their nationality.