UST kicks out student after new complaint of abuse

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COLLEGE of Science student Kyle Viray has been kicked out of the University following another complaint of physical abuse filed by a fellow Thomasian.

Viray was found guilty anew of violating UST’s Code of Conduct and Discipline, and was “excluded” from the roll of students and “disqualified” from enrolling in any program offered by the University.

Gil Nicole Morales, a student from the UST-AMV College of Accountancy, filed the complaint, claiming Viray inflicted physical injuries on her on six occasions last year, and at different places, including the latter’s condominium unit.

“I feel relieved since the proper sanction has been served. I hope everyone learns from this,” Morales said in an online interview.

Morales first revealed the abuse she suffered from Viray in a series of tweets last July 14.

On July 20, Viray was given three days to explain why no disciplinary action should be taken against him. Viray then denied the allegations of Morales, stating he had no relations with her and that there was no incident in which he cursed or abused her in public or in private.

The Office for Student Affairs scheduled a conference on July 30 to hear the testimony of the victim and the accused. However, on July 26, Viray’s legal counsel said his client would not appear in the hearing.

Viray was first found guilty of violating the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline for inflicting physical injuries on his ex-girlfriend and fellow Science student Diane Arcena last May, and was given 250 hours of community service. He was also barred from joining the college’s solemn investiture rites.

The student discipline committee assigned to Arcena’s case drew flak on social media for being “lenient” toward Viray.

READ: Victim decries UST’s leniency toward alleged abuser

In a copy of the August 7 resolution on the Morales case obtained by the Varsitarian, the Student Welfare and Development Board said it had exhibited a “certain degree of leniency” toward Viray because of his status as a graduating student.

However, Viray failed to complete his last term in UST, and incurred several academic deficiencies.

Because of the second complaint, the board said serious penalties — exclusion and disqualification from other UST academic programs — were justified.

UST’s Code of Conduct and Discipline prohibits students from “inflicting injuries, physical or otherwise, on another person, whether inside or outside the campus.”  S.D.Z.C. Haro

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