The president and treasurer of the Student Association of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto (AEFEUP) have resigned following reports that photos and videos of female students from the institution were shared in a WhatsApp group without the victims’ consent.
“Once the situation was identified, the remaining AEFEUP leadership rigorously investigated the facts and verified the information, immediately accompanied by the identification and direct contact of the identified victims, providing individualized and supportive assistance while always respecting their privacy. During this process, the president and the treasurer of the board submitted their formal resignation to the General Assembly Board,” the organization stated in a release shared on social media on Tuesday.
The association also expressed its “most sincere apologies to all students affected by the unacceptable acts that occurred during the AEFEUP Gala on March 14,” noting that the “unauthorized sharing of images and videos of female members, without the consent of those involved, accompanied by inappropriate comments objectifying women, represented a breach of privacy and a loss of trust within the community.”
“It is important to clarify that none of these captures correspond to images taken ‘under skirts’ or ‘beneath tables.’ Nonetheless, we deeply regret the impact these behaviors have caused, which is entirely incompatible with the principles of respect and equality that we advocate,” the association stated, referencing accusations made by Inês Marinho, the president of the association Não Partilhes.
On Thursday, the activist alleged on Instagram that “several girls were photographed under tables and, subsequently, under skirts.” She also mentioned that the WhatsApp group, comprising eight people, including former and current members of the association, including the president, has existed “for several years.”
In recognition of the seriousness of the events and their impact on the trust of the student community, the association indicated that “the involved association members have been removed from the AEFEUP leadership, particularly from all decisions related to this incident”.
“This decision reflects an acceptance of individual responsibility and should not be confused with the values and principles governing AEFEUP as a student association. We reaffirm that these behaviors are completely contrary to the mission and principles we uphold. Additionally, AEFEUP acted with the support of an external lawyer, ensuring all decisions taken were technically supported and grounded. At no point were decisions made hastily or without appropriate advice,” it reads.
AEFEUP also pledged to “continue working to ensure such situations do not recur, with a focus on active listening, victim support, and rebuilding community trust,” being “fully committed to ethics and respect for the dignity of all members of the academic community.”
The director of FEUP, Rui Calçada, explained on Friday that he is following the situation “attentively and rigorously,” emphasizing that “all relevant information is being collected and analyzed to ascertain the facts in question and any responsible parties.”
Meanwhile, the Academic Federation of Porto (FAP) emphasized that the current moment demands zero tolerance toward any instances of abuse and discrimination in higher education, which should be a space promoting equality and respect.
“To date, FAP has not received any complaints regarding the reported case. However, should any complaint be received, it will be forwarded to the Inspectorate General of Education and Science for immediate investigation,” it stressed.
In this sequence, FAP reiterated its support for the creation of a national mechanism enabling students, victims of harassment or discrimination, to report such incidents in safe and confidential conditions.
