Two Vinh University officials disciplined after student allegations of harassment

Two Vinh University officials have been reprimanded and reassigned after a student accused them of inappropriate behavior, including unwanted physical contact and sending explicit material.

On 24/6, a Vinh University representative confirmed that two staff members had been disciplined for actions that tarnished the university's reputation. One was the head of the one-stop service department in the General Administration office, and the other was a student affairs assistant in the Faculty of Education. Both were reprimanded, a serious disciplinary action according to the Law on Public Employees, which outlines three levels of disciplinary action: reprimand, warning, and dismissal.

The university representative stated that reassignments for both individuals are forthcoming, limiting their interaction with students.

The incidents came to light in May when a student from the class of 2025 posted on social media about an encounter with the one-stop service department head. She needed her academic transcripts notarized but was denied due to her academic deferral status. Returning on 23/5 to withdraw from the university, she explained her situation. The official discouraged her from withdrawing, offering to help retrieve and notarize her transcripts. A few days later, upon collecting the documents, the student alleged the official made suggestive remarks, asking "I created an opportunity for you, now what do you have for me?", and invited her for a drink. When they reached the parking area, he reportedly put his arm around her and held her waist, causing her distress.

A separate incident involved a student affairs assistant in the Faculty of Education. A student from the class of 2024 accused him of sending her unsolicited and inappropriate messages after she faced disciplinary action and had to meet with him to resolve the issue. She also claimed to have received explicit images and videos from a social media account bearing his name.

Both posts were widely shared across various online platforms and groups, generating significant attention.

Vinh University formed an investigation committee and confirmed the students' accounts. Both officials admitted their wrongdoing.