By Natalia Rueda 
In a shocking report by Semana magazine, four women have denounced Eusebio Rangel Roa, former director of the financial department of the Francisco José de Caldas District University in Bogotá, for years of persistent sexual harassment and abuse. The women, who were all subordinates of Rangel, paint a disturbing picture of a toxic work environment in which harassment and misogyny were allowed to flourish.
The victims describe a pattern of inappropriate comments, suggestive advances, and physical harassment that they endured for fear of losing their jobs. From lewd questions about their sexual preferences to unwanted physical advances, Rangel allegedly made the workplace a hostile and intimidating space for these women.
A Pattern of Abuse
One of the victims, Angelica Yurani Gomez Murcia, recounts how Rangel’s harassment began almost immediately after she started working in the finance department. She felt trapped and silenced by the power dynamics at play and was afraid to speak out for fear of losing her job. On one occasion, Rangel even attempted to kiss her after she rebuffed his advances.
Leidys Viviana Vergel Gutiérrez, another victim, describes how Rangel retaliated after she refused his persistent invitations for lunches and coffee. As a result, her work environment became uncomfortable and her contract was not renewed.
The allegations against Rangel are not without corroboration. Rocío del Pilar Salas Fonseca, a longtime employee of the university, witnessed Rangel’s behavior and has also described his crude comments and bullying tactics. Another anonymous victim has also come forward to share her story.
Another woman, who has opted to remain anonymous, corroborated the allegations, recounting similar harassment and physical bullying from Rangel, including unsolicited sexual comments.
The Institutional Response
The university’s response to the allegations has been swift but limited. The Office of Internal Disciplinary Control has suspended Rangel from his position, acknowledging the seriousness of the claims. The suspension is provisional, pending further investigation. According to their statement, the actions described by the women “constitute sexual harassment” and reflect violence against women with a gendered perspective. However, the suspension does little to ease the growing concern over the university’s broader handling of such allegations.
This is not an isolated incident. Sadly, many women in Colombia and around the world have to endure sexual harassment in their workplaces, often afraid to speak up due to the fear of repercussions. However, by breaking the silence and speaking out about their traumatic experiences, these four brave women are shedding light on the urgent need for change and accountability in our society.
In an interview with Semana, Eusebio Rangel Roa categorically denied all the accusations against him and assured that he did not know the women mentioned. He also denounced that he is currently receiving death threats.