According to him, the Academy is currently undergoing an inspection, which will be followed by appropriate decisions. Prānis did not disclose the names of the suspended faculty members, citing the requirements of personal data protection.
One of the professors was suspended following a whistleblower report, the rector of the academy confirmed.
"We have now suspended two lecturers on the basis of the evidence that we have to clarify further. If there is a conviction to the end that all this corresponds to the facts, then, of course, the employment relationship will be terminated," explained Prānis.
Asked whether the head of the Department of Music and Technology, Rolands Kronlaks, who himself had announced his dismissal, was among those suspended, the Rector of the Academy said he could not comment on the matter.
Prānis said that an anonymous student questionnaire had given the names of several lecturers who had allegedly sexually harassed female students. Preventive action was subsequently taken, but this "has not been confirmed".
"Written explanations have been requested from all the people mentioned (...), I tried to clarify everything. But, consequently, a denial was given," said Prānis.
He said that these days the academy receives quite a lot of reports of alleged sexual harassment by lecturers, including events 10-15 years ago. All reports, irrespective of the time period reported, will be investigated.
Prānis added that he was "shocked" by the news of alleged sexual harassment of female students by JVLMA lecturers.
