University of Rochester President Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Report
University of Rochester President Joel Seligman announced his resignation following the release of the results of an investigation into how the school handled sexual harassment allegations against science professor T. Florian Jaeger.
According to reports, Seligman resigned before reading the results of the investigation. In an sent email to University of Rochester students, faculty and staff, he wrote that “the best interests of the University are best served with new leadership, and a fresh perspective to focus on healing our campus and moving us forward in a spirit of cooperation and unity.”
The resignation will take effect on February 28.
According to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, the report on the university’s response to sexual misconduct allegations in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences department largely approved Seligman’s actions.
The university has been in turmoil since an 111-page complaint filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was filed against the school.
The complaint claimed Jaeger created a “hostile environment” and allegedly sent unwanted pictures and tried to sleep with students at parties. The investigation concluded that Jaeger’s conduct was “at times inappropriate, unprofessional and offensive, and may have been harmful to some students,” but didn’t find he did anything unlawful.
Jaeger issued a statement of apology this week.