EXCLUSIVE: UB Lecturer Placed on Administrative Leave Following Sexual Harassment Allegations

A prominent lecturer at the University of Belize (UB) was placed on administrative leave on Thursday, April 10, after complaints of sexual harassment were made against him.

News Five has learnt that UB has at least four complaints against Dr Pio Saqui, who is also the president of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU).

This was confirmed with a UB official who told News 5 exclusively, “We have received the allegations. We are taking it seriously. We are engaging transparent and thorough protocols of the UB policies with an intent for speedy and fair resolution based on the necessary investigation.”

News Five has reached out to Dr Saqui for comment multiple times.

The most recent damning complaint is dated April 8. The four complainants alleged that his behaviours included but were not limited to “unwanted touching”, “unsolicited and persistent comments about students’ appearances and bodies”, “repeated requests for hugs and physical contact despite visible discomfort and refusal”, and “invasive questions about students’ personal relationships, sexual activity, and home life”. The letter also referenced testimonies from four students who said Saqui allegedly made sexual remarks, gave unsolicited massages, and engaged in repeated physical contact without consent.

The complainants have requested that Saqui be removed from teaching and field duties pending an impartial investigation and that measures be taken to protect students from retaliation.

They cite the University of Belize Student Handbook (May 2024), “which guarantees students the right to learn in an environment free from harassment, abuse, and intimidation. More urgently, it also breaches the newly enacted Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2024.” The act defines sexual harassment as “any unwelcome sexual advance, comment, gesture, or physical contact of a sexual nature that causes humiliation, intimidation, or creates an offensive environment.”

The complaints, dating back to 2010, include reports from students who allege Saqui sent them inappropriate messages, made repeated advances, and engaged in behaviour they described as unprofessional and harassing.

We are told that the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs have been made aware of the allegations. To date, no official police report has been made.

Full story on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.