Official Statement on the SU-ROTC Issue

In the morning of Friday, February 21, 2020, the Silliman University (SU) Administration received information of an incident that transpired the previous day (Thursday, February 20, 2020) involving allegedly gender insensitive conduct by SU Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) officials while the SU ROTC unit was preparing for the Regional Annual Administrative Tactical Inspection (RAATI). The information received also stated that the SU Student Government (SUSG) would be acting on the said incident.

Since the SU ROTC unit falls under the academic division of the University, the University President, Dr. Betty C. McCann, instructed the Vice-President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, to immediately look into the matter.

In the afternoon of the same day, Dr. Cleope met with the officers of the SUSG. The meeting concluded with the SUSG officers stating their intention to file a formal complaint in conformity with established processes of the University. Thereafter, on Saturday, February 22, 2020, Dr. Cleope received by email the formal complaint of the SUSG.

Consistent with the fundamental principle of due process of law, a formal inquiry will henceforth be conducted on the matter.

The University reiterates its continuing commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality.