Hradec University has recently appointed a Czech-Swiss art historian who faced a prolonged internal investigation at Masaryk University due to allegations of toxic behavior toward students and staff. The investigation, led by the university's ombudsperson, found that the professor engaged in inappropriate conduct, including the transfer of personal disputes into teaching, stigmatizing behavior, manipulative tactics, and preferential treatment, which the faculty dean, Irena Radová, noted could undermine the psychological safety of students.

While some students and colleagues came forward with detailed accounts of the professor's troubling behavior, others defended him, emphasizing that he had not violated ethical guidelines or workplace rules. The professor, who is now employed at Hradec University, has denied the accusations and stated his intention to contest the termination from his previous position. The incident raises concerns about the hiring practices in academia, especially regarding individuals with a history of alleged misconduct.

This situation highlights the ongoing debate within educational institutions about how to handle accusations of toxic behavior, balancing the rights of individuals to work against the safety and wellbeing of students. As Hradec University faces scrutiny for its decision to hire the professor, it reflects broader issues within the academic community about accountability and the protection of students from potentially harmful faculty interactions.