The president of the University of La Réunion suspended by the Ministry of Higher Education for acts of harassment

The Minister of Higher Education had been informed, by mail, of “the existence of harassment at the University of Reunion” in March 2023. Seven months later, the ministry announced, Friday October 6, the suspension of the president of this university, Frédéric Miranville, “as a precautionary measure” And “for a period of one year”. The investigation, opened after the facts were reported, also resulted in the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against this man.

The public prosecutor of Saint-Denis-de-la-Réunion was contacted because the investigation revealed “facts likely to receive a criminal classification”, specifies a ministerial press release. At least seven people “occupant or having held positions, sometimes in management roles” within the university had signed the letter alerting the Minister of “serious dysfunctions within the institution”.

Frédéric Miranville has held the position of president of the university since 2016. The first vice-president of the board of directors in charge of general affairs will act in the interim during this suspension. The Minister of Higher Education addressed “its support for all the staff of the establishment, in particular those who have been victims of harassment”. Sylvie Retailleau also hoped that this decision would contribute to “the serenity of operation” from the University of Reunion.