Harvard put John Comaroff, professor of anthropology and South Africa expert, on administrative leave after a university investigation into his behavior. After taking leave, 3 female students sued Harvard University in federal court in Boston.
STUDENTS CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HARASSED
Plaintiffs Margaret Czerwienski, Lilia Kilburn and Amulya Mandava allege that for years Comaroff ‘kissed and abused students without their consent, engaged in undesirable sexual behavior and threatened to sabotage the careers of students if they complained.
Comaroff’s lawyers stated that their clients “absolutely reject the allegations that he harassed any student or retaliated against any student”.
COMARAFF’S LAWYERS: SHAME
“Professor Comaroff is not only a leading academic in his field, but also an extremely caring person who has devoted his energies to mentoring and advancing students for decades. The attacks on his career based on gossip and fantasy rather than factual evidence are shameful,” the statement said.
Women, on the other hand, claim that they have repeatedly complained to Harvard administrators about the issue, but each time they choose to protect their ‘star’ professors.
Harvard University announced in a statement to CNN that they are appealing the lawsuit.