Gymnasium "Slobodan Škerović" condemns the actions of professor R.Č., and in the previous days targets were drawn on social networks. The professor went on sick leave due to mental and physical suffering, the director of that educational institution, Biljana Vučurović, said during the press conference.
"You saw that targets were drawn in the previous days, among other things, I am also a target," Vučurović said.
The Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG) recently published the text "Sexual harassment of students by staff: Evidence is usually pushed under the carpet", in which a case of inappropriate behavior towards a former student of the Gymnasium was described. A little later, that former student came forward and disclosed evidence of R.Č's inappropriate behavior on social networks. She was especially, as she said, revolted by the non-reaction of the school administration, led by Vučurović.
She pointed out that professor R.Č. On August 28, 2020, "taken from the secondary vocational school from Bijelo Polje".
"He was hired by former director Zoja Bojanić Lalović, who gave him a job...", she said.
She added that the disputed professor is respected by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MPNI), headed by Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović.
Vučurović claims that when the incident happened with the student, she was not at the head of the Gymnasium.
She said that the student did not report the case to the former principal.
Correspondence was a "game" for the professor, who is still employed at the Gymnasium
She explained that they have "only clips from the communication between the student and the professor".
Vučurović read the professor's explanation, in which he repeatedly claims that the correspondence with the former student was a "game".
The complete correspondence of R.Č. has described as a "careless play on language".
"According to the law, in 2021, I advise the student to contact the authorities... to protect her rights. She then says that she does not want to do that. She tells us, in front of witnesses, that she is afraid of the reaction of her parents - the father. I understand the feelings of the young student and surely there is no person who does not condemn the rank of professor. The law of 2021 does not allow you to go beyond the jurisdiction prescribed by the law...", explains Vučurović.
She pointed out that they stand "side by side with the student" so that sexual harassment is not tolerated.
Vučurović believes that the director must not act outside the law and thanked Prime Minister Milojko Spajić for getting involved in the whole process.
"I have to note that the text of the CIN states, for the most part, everything correctly. It is a pity that the student did not have the support of her father... It is very important that young girls address their parents...", she said.
She said that the professor announced his sick leave, thereby confirming that R.Č. still employed at the Gymnasium "Slobodan Škerović".
Professors, staff and attendees repeatedly applauded the statements of the director of that institution, at today's press conference.
Lawyer: The director could not do more than a fine
The lawyer of "Slobodan Škerović" High School Ivana Jončić said that it is very important to establish the factual situation.
She said that it was good that the director reacted and added that "it could have gone the other way".
"The headmistress of the school approaches the given problem quite conscientiously, as you have seen... A disciplinary procedure has been initiated. It is being conducted to determine whether there is a violation of the work obligation. This violation must be prescribed. The director cannot conduct a disciplinary procedure because of a violation which is not prescribed by the Labor Law and collective agreements...", explained Jončić.
She noted that director Vučurović could not do more than a fine. It is unclear to her why there is, as she claims, a certain type of "retaliation" against the director.
"The purpose of the punishment must not be retribution. The purpose of the sanctions is to prevent the act from happening again," said Jončić, adding that the students did not complain about inappropriate behavior after the professor was punished.
"We worked within our house"
Vučurović said that after the incident, the professor had regular "hospitalizations", that is, public visits to classes.
"Judgment was made too quickly about something that is not known as a whole," she said.
Vučurović said that at that time she did not contact the competent department and that "we worked within our house".
"I didn't get legal advice from the secretary," she said.
She explained that it is important to establish all the evidence and added that it is not the school's place to study Viber correspondence.
Vučurović did not answer the question whether she was comfortable working with the professor. She said that "you don't have to have contact with everyone."
Vučurović: I will not resign
Vučurović, answering the question of the "Vijesti" journalist, repeated that there were no problems with the students after the case was reported to her. She emphasized that the students were satisfied with the professor's lessons and confirmed that they did not complain.
She explained that due to the recognition of the professor, they did not have to form a disciplinary committee. Vučurović emphasized that they continued to monitor his classes, as well as his communication with students.
When asked why she allowed the professor to take the students to the Book Fair in Belgrade after the application, Vučurović said that the school only supports and does not organize the trip.
"All responsibility lies exclusively with the parents who accept that the professor guides their child," said Vučurović.
She emphasized that she felt "great disgust" for the professor's act. She said that she will not resign and said that she is not responsible for something that the "closest environment" of the former student did not do. She asked the media to be benevolent.
She said that the meeting of the Council of Parents is tonight. She said that she will not work against the law and added that if the parents request the teacher's dismissal, she will forward the inquiry to the Department of Education.
The professors surrounded the journalists
Several teachers of the Gymnasium surrounded the journalists after the press conference, with the intention of arguing and arguing with them.
They accused the journalists that their questions had a political connotation.
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