UB Lecturer on Admin Leave Following Sexual Offence Allegations

A prominent faculty member at the University of Belize has been placed on administrative leave due to numerous sexual offense allegations. News Five has obtained documents showing that for over ten years, students have been writing to the office of student affairs about the alleged behavior. Tonight, Dr. Pio Saqui, a lecturer and President of the University of Belize’s Faculty and Staff Union, is at home while the university investigates the allegations. Although the probe is in its early stages, the complaints are numerous and detailed. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

News Five has confirmed that Dr. Pio Saqui, a faculty member at the University of Belize and President of the University of Belize’s Faculty and Staff Union, has been placed on administrative leave following numerous sexual offense allegations. These allegations date back to 2010. In one instance, a student wrote to former Dean of Student Affairs, William Neal, seeking help. She stated that, quote, there are several other victims of sexual harassment, end quote. She claimed that Saqui sent her a friend request on Facebook and then began sending frequent messages, calling her his favorite student, saying she was pretty, and that he had a crush on her.

 

The student even provided printed copies of the messages Saqui allegedly sent, which included comments like, quote, you how bad you are with me… now I am sad… congrats…. be a good girlfriend and always respect yourself, end quote, and, quote, if you need a secret hug… I am here always, end quote. When she ignored him, he responded that she was hurting his feelings. She also alleged that Saqui repeatedly invited her to his house for a drink, which she found unprofessional and uncomfortable, affecting her interest in the class. A second student wrote to Neal in 2015 with similar allegations. She accepted his friend request on Facebook and would ask him about assignments and tests, but he would always respond by telling her not to stress about tests because they would be easy and that she should come to his house to relax and drink. She also alleged that he would be with her even when her boyfriend was around.

 

The latest report against Saqui came in 2025. The letter to the Office of Student Affairs detailed numerous alleged behaviors amounting to sexual harassment and misconduct, including unwanted touching, unsolicited and persistent comments about students’ appearance and bodies, repeated requests for hugs and physical contact, and invasive questions about students’ personal relationships, sexual activity, and home life. The author of the letter requested that Saqui be removed from classroom and field activities pending investigation, that a confidential and impartial investigation be conducted, and that students be protected from retaliation and receive necessary support. The letter also noted that his alleged actions violate the university’s student handbook and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. It included testimonies from four female students who recounted instances where he allegedly asked for hugs, held their hands inappropriately, made sexual remarks, engaged in unsolicited shoulder massages, and sent uncomfortable messages.

 

Today, the University of Belize told News Five, quote, we have received the allegations. We are taking them seriously. We are engaging transparent and thorough protocols of the UB policies with the intent for a speedy and fair resolution based on the necessary investigation, end quote. Notably, an official police report is yet to be filed. We will continue to follow these reports and the university’s investigation. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez