Ateneo professor Mary Thomas accused of abuse

Ateneo de Manila University is currently embroiled in controversy. Mary Thomas, an assistant professor in the Department of English of the private Catholic Jesuit research university in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, is being accused of abuse.

In May 2013, Thomas obtained her doctoral degree in Philosophy in English from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. Her areas of specialization are European Literature, Crime Fiction and Murakami Haruki (Modern Japanese Literature).

Thomas was one of the speakers in the first ever Haruki Murakami Festival in Manila. The Japan Foundation, Manila showcased one of the world’s best-selling and most popular Japanese contemporary novelists from February to March 2018 with more than 3,000 audience members.

On October 15, 2019, students of Ateneo de Manila University gathered  to protest against sexual misconduct of professors in the university. Among the professors named were Thomas, Jade Principe and Migoy Lizada.

On August 12, 2019, the student council of the university responded to students’ concerns about a case of sexual harassment against a professor and the lack of updates about the issue’s resolution. According to the statement, information on sexual misconduct investigations are sensitive personal information so they are not easily disclosed, as per the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012.

[READ] A Statement from the Sanggunian Addressing Concerns Raised Regarding Cases of Sexual Harassment#OurSanggu pic.twitter.com/LNNAusMYHp

— ADMU Sanggunian (@ADMUSanggu) August 12, 2019

In 2018, several professors including Carlo Rivera were also linked to sexual abuse allegations in Ateneo de Manila University. The university investigated the allegations and concluded that there were no sufficient evidence supporting the claims.

The Ateneo de Manila University has yet to release an official statement in response to the recent accusations against Thomas, Principe and Lizada. Meanwhile, netizens are currently talking about them on Twitter.

Protest happening now in front of DE LA COSTA HALL. ASAN NA SI MARY THOMAS 🤡 pic.twitter.com/q0S7q8L3aT

— Gian Francesco (@__Gamby) October 15, 2019

That is horrible. But in the case of Mary Thomas for example, it's done. It's closed. MT was found guilty but only given a slap on the wrist. And the victim came forward and this protest happened. I understand that you are worried for other cases

— Enrico Barcia (@EnriCOLIbarcia) October 15, 2019

Surprised about the involvement of Mary Thomas in some sexual misconduct cases in Ateneo. She was my Lit prof 12-13 years ago & I really enjoyed that class. It was through her that I get to appreciate Literature more + she introduced me to Haruki Muramami’s works. Grabe lang. 😭

— Nikka Cossette Sia (@nikkacossette) October 15, 2019

It goes to show that you can't truly know people. & just because someone is nice to you, that doesn't mean they can't be hiding something darker. Mary Thomas deserves more than a suspension for the trauma she inflicted on her victims. She shouldn't be allowed to teach

— rain princess ☔ (@bagyongmaria) October 14, 2019

MARY THOMAS MUST GO DOWN ALONGSIDE PRINCIPE AND LIZADA. FOR FUCK'S SAKE ATENEO !!!!!!!!!!!

— orange julius (@BrunetteSnapped) October 14, 2019

Dear Areneo Ateneo if Mary Thomas was suspended it means there’s probable cause right? So is it because she’s an Irish woman that she gets a pass for being a sexual predator?

— Napster 🌈 B. (@AIPinoy) October 15, 2019

I love Irish people but Mary Thomas is not one of them. KICK PREDATORS OUT OF YOUR CAMPUS, ATENEO.

— orange julius (@BrunetteSnapped) October 14, 2019

Today's last day of holiday, let's spend our time to the fullest! Can't wait to see Ms Mary Thomas when school starts 😍

— TP Confessions (@TPConfessions) October 13, 2019