The dean of the University of California Berkeley’s law school resigned March 10 after a lawsuit was filed alleging he sexually harassed an assistant
The former dean, Sujit Choudhry, said he disagreed with claims made in the lawsuit that he sexually harassed administrative assistant Tyann Sorrell on a near-daily basis beginning in July 2014, according to CNN.
Sorrell claims Choudhry directed “rude and demeaning” behavior toward her, including unwanted kissing, hugging and other physical conduct. Sorrell also claims she complained about the behavior several times to Choudhry’s superiors but nothing was done.
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Then, seven months ago, the university launched an investigation into Choudhry’s behavior and found his actions had violated school policy. Choudhry acknowledged some of the behavior but said it didn’t occur as often as Sorrell claims.
As a result of the findings, Choudhry’s pay was reduced ten percent and he was forced to apologize and go to counseling.
When Sorrell filed the lawsuit March 9, the school placed Choudry on administrative leave. He resigned a day later.
“We believe the dean’s resignation is an outcome in the best interests of Berkeley Law and the university as a whole. At the same time we are under no illusion that a resignation could or even should bring this matter and broader, related issues to a close,” Chancellor Nicholas Dirks and Provost Claude Steele said in a joint statement.
