Chilean courts issue rulings on sexual harassment and minor privacy

The Court of Appeals of Concepción has upheld disciplinary sanctions imposed by Universidad San Sebastián (USS) against a student accused of sexual harassment during a university welcome event. The court unanimously rejected the student's attempt to overturn the sanctions, ruling that the university acted within its legal obligations under Law 21.369 to ensure a safe environment, even though the incident occurred at a private venue outside of campus.

In a separate ruling, the Court of Appeals of La Serena ordered the removal of a WhatsApp message that attributed a serious crime to a minor. The court found that a parent's post in a school group chat, which accused a first-grade student of sexual abuse without investigation, violated the child's honor and psychological integrity. The judges emphasized the special legal protections afforded to children under international conventions.