Did I do the right thing?

This might not be the right place to post, but I want to be anonymous.

So, recently, one of the members of staff at my university was arrested and imprisoned for paedophilia. It was a massive scandal but hasn't been reported widely, probably because the university want to cover it up.

A few weeks later, I was doing some online mentoring and chatting with potential students who would be joining the next year if they firmed my university. I thought they had a right to know about this, so I told them. 2 out of 3 of them have since decided to go elsewhere for their degrees. If it was me, I would have wanted to know, and I am glad I told them, but I also feel bad because I should be promoting my university in my ambassadorial context. Did I do the right thing?

If you don’t mind me asking, if the university is trying to cover this up, will there be any consequences if you leak this kind of sensitive information? Which it looks as if you have.

You shouldn't be aiding in covering it up, certainly. But if they've been arrested and locked up, I'm not sure the students needed to know unless you think it's more widespread than just the one person?

Tbh, I wouldn't be surprised if every university had some paedophile or murderer among their alumni, and being told that fact would put applicants off.

I don't really feel comfortable sharing the university. I don't think there would be consequences, as it's made local news, but it hasn't been picked up at a national level. Students within the department have been contacted, as well as any outside of the department who would have been in contact with the individual, but I don't think all students have been emailed - although it's certainly been prevalent on social media.

I didn't leak it in a context where I could be traced, as I was interacting with these students through follow ups outside of the university platform, but I do feel guilty in a way because I have been paid to promote the university before. However, I'd want to know if I was going to be studying in a department which (unknowingly) housed a criminal if I was in their position.

Then you did the right thing, and you definitely should not feel guilty. Instead well done, in a way you’re just safeguarding and making people aware, if anything they would probably find out eventually, if not from your local news. So don’t worry.

Thank you. That means a lot.

As far as I am aware, they were acting alone. However, I think it's scary that they were able to continue to work at the university whilst the investigation was underway (and the university seemed to be unaware of these charges). I think students have a right to know that.

If he has been arrested, I don't think it's really relevant to their education in the university and I wouldn't have brought it up if it was me

If he is a uni lecturer, he was not in contact with children through work so why would he not be able to continue work whilst investigations were underway?

It depends on the situation. If OP's department handled it poorly then future students should know as that's a red flag if they have any issues in the future.

The university was apparently not aware according to OP

Would you want to be taught by someone under investigation for paedophilia?

Hmm, still, if they handled student support badly after it became public knowledge, that's a red flag and I'd personally want to know.