SUN YAT-SEN University in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, has fired a professor after he was found to have sexually harassed female students and colleagues.

An investigation into the professor, Zhang Peng, was launched after the university received a complaint from a female student accusing him of sexually harassing her April 8, according to a statement released by the university Wednesday. The university said it received a complaint from a second female student May 4.

After confirming the reports, investigators representing the school’s Party committee recommended Zhang’s suspension and took steps to revoke his credentials for teaching master’s and doctoral students, the statement said.

Investigators also asked the university president to revoke Zhang’s title as a young Cheung-Kong scholar.

“Sun Yat-sen University insists on a code of morality for teachers, and whoever violates those ethics and morals will be punished under relevant laws and regulations to safeguard the legal interests and rights of both teachers and students,” the statement said.

Local media reported that Zhang was suspected of having sexually harassed at least five female students and teachers between 2011 and 2017. The case has raised concerns in educational circles and among residents, and stirred up hot debate about the current state of ethics and morality on campuses.

Born in 1978, Zhang was a professor in the university’s School of Sociology and Anthropology. He was chosen as an excellent Party member at Sun Yat-sen University in October, and qualified as a young Cheung-Kong scholar in April last year.

(China Daily)