Ufac suspends professor following sexual harassment allegations

The Federal University of Acre (Ufac) has issued a 60-day precautionary suspension for Eduardo Mitke Brandão Reis, a professor in the Veterinary Medicine department, following allegations of sexual harassment and importuning made by a student.

The investigation was initiated after a complaint was filed through the Fala.BR platform by student Isabele da Costa Barbosa. The student alleges that the incidents began in 2023, involving social media messages and invitations to the professor's office. She stated she felt pressured to comply to avoid academic repercussions.

Ufac Rector Josimar Batista Ferreira signed the ordinance for the suspension, which does not affect the professor's salary. The university stated that the process is being handled confidentially to ensure the presumption of innocence and the right to a defense while the Ethics Commission and administrative bodies investigate the claims.

Professor Reis has been affiliated with Ufac since 2009, holding a doctorate in Veterinary Sciences and specializing in animal production and zootechnics.