Turkish University Students Demand Restoration of Harassment Prevention Unit
Students and LGBT community representatives at the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Turkey are advocating for the full restoration of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Unit (CİTÖB).
The unit was established in 2016 following mass student protests. It was responsible for reviewing harassment cases, conducting training, and providing support to victims.
Currently, according to students and faculty, the university administration has deprived the unit of its budget and office space, rendering its work ineffective. Furthermore, CİTÖB lacks direct authority to penalize offenders—final decisions are made by disciplinary committees under the rectorate.
Students claim that the university leadership often engages in victim-blaming and protects perpetrators. In response, activists have collected over 3,500 signatures demanding funding for CİTÖB, a dedicated office space, and mandatory harassment prevention training.
Despite administrative obstacles, student initiatives continue to independently provide psychological and legal support to victims on campus.