The University of Leuven (UCLouvain) will appeal a conviction for workplace violence against biology professor Caroline Nieberding, the French-Language institution told Belga News Agency on Friday evening.
Professor Nieberding had complained of sexist remarks concerning her physique, moral and sexual harassment, and a form of exclusion and denigration by her colleagues at the Earth and Life Institute (ELI). She blamed the university for not taking the measures needed to protect her.
The Brabant court ruled in her favour on Friday, but the university said it would appeal.
"UCLouvain takes note of the decision of the President of the Labour Court of Nivelles, which it is analysing in detail," the institution said, adding that it would appeal the decision "to defend its rights and those of its staff."
UCLouvain said further that it regretted that the conflict has gone to court, "despite the many attempts at reconciliation made by the university."
