Yuri Guilherme Andrade Cassano, a 20-year-old student, has been dismissed from his university in Santos, São Paulo, after allegedly sending messages threatening to rape a female classmate if she refused sexual advances. The messages reportedly emerged from a WhatsApp group, where Cassano mentioned using a mask to potentially harm the victim at a university party. This alarming incident has prompted a police investigation as well as a disciplinary review by the university itself.

In his defense, Cassano stated in a circulated video message that his comments were merely intended as a joke made among friends, downplaying the seriousness of his statements. This attempt at justification has sparked outrage among peers and institutions, with many arguing that such threats should never be trivialized, regardless of intentions. The university has since prohibited him from attending classes and participating in any academic activities pending the investigation results.

The gravity of these threats and the university's prompt action highlight the increasing awareness and intolerance towards sexual violence within educational institutions in Brazil. This incident raises important discussions about the culture of consent, the responsibilities of students to create a safe environment, and the implications of social media in perpetuating harmful attitudes. The legal and societal ramifications that follow will be crucial for addressing the underlying issues surrounding sexual harassment and violence in universities.