Center for Art and Community – Artpolis condemns the sexist language of the Vice-Rector of the Public University of Pristina, Mrs. Teuta Pustina-Krasniqi, who justified sexual harassment within the Public University in a statement to the media by blaming female students for their manner of dressing, suggesting that this is one of the reasons why such incidents occur at the university.

“However, a message for the female gender, for students, academic staff, and administrative staff—I appeal to you not to provoke, not to dress provocatively, because this is a psychological effect, which can have a very negative impact on the environment in which a certain student carries out exercises and lectures. Therefore, I appeal to young women who are part of a very serious institution, where lectures are conducted by professors and assistants, that they should respect the dress code,” emphasized the Vice-Rector.

As an organization, we are very concerned, as we have closely monitored the state of Sexual Harassment in the Public Universities of Kosovo (University of Pristina, University of Gjakova, University of Mitrovica, and University of Prizren). Due to the need to address this issue, we have even released a report that tackles this phenomenon, titled “Addressing Sexual Harassment in Public Universities.”

Sharing the sentiments of all the stories that were shared with us during the compilation of the report, we are strongly against the re-victimization and dismissive tendencies of Public University officials regarding the addressing of these cases.

According to the completed report, during interviews with female students, they claimed to be aware of instances of sexual harassment, but they do not report them because they do not trust the institution. There have been cases where students were persuaded not to pursue the cases further due to potential academic and personal consequences.

We appeal for the Public University to distance itself from this statement and to take appropriate action against the sexist language of the Vice-Rector by dismissing Mrs. Pustina-Krasniqi from all official duties within the rectorate. At the same time, we demand that the Public University apologize to all women who have experienced sexual harassment within the institution.

By continuing to endorse sexual harassment—by blaming the victims and supporting myths about sexual violence and harassment—the perpetrators are merely excused, and tolerance for sexual violence and harassment is maintained. Public Universities must create mechanisms that will support students in reporting sexual harassment to the appropriate authorities, rather than further eroding their trust in these institutions.