Boston University professor fired for violating sexual harassment policy

WCVB
April 14, 2019

https://www.wcvb.com/article/boston-university-professor-david-marchant-fired-for-violating-sexual-harassment-policy/27140750

In this Nov. 29, 2018 photo students and passers-by carry book bags as they walk past an entrance to Boston University College of Arts and Sciences, in Boston. Should parents pay for college? A survey shows that many still say yes, but a growing number want their kids to contribute and fewer are willing to sacrifice their retirement funds. That’s a good thing. Photo by Steven Senne

College of Arts & Sciences

Boston University has fired a tenured geology professor accused of violating the school's sexual harassment policies during research trips to Antarctica in 1997 and from 1999 to 2000.

BU President Robert A. Brown sent a letter to faculty Friday saying he reviewed the case and concluded Dr. David Marchant's employment should be terminated.

A 13-month investigation conducted by the university's Equal Opportunity Office concluded Marchant created a hostile working and living environment for a female graduate student at the Antarctica camp.

University Provost Jean Morrison upheld the findings and determined the violations justified the start of proceedings to terminate Marchant's employment.

Brown rejected the recommendation of a five-member faculty panel that concluded Marchant should be suspended without pay for three years and then allowed to return to the university in good standing.

The board of trustees upheld Brown's recommendation to terminate Marchant's employment.

“I want to take this opportunity to affirm the University’s commitment to maintaining a living and learning environment free from harassment of any kind," Brown wrote in his letter to faculty.

Marchant's attorney, Jeffrey Sankey, says his client denies the allegations and is considering legal action. He says BU "capitulated" to pressure despite "what the evidence showed."

Marchant was employed in the Department of Earth & Environment in the College of Arts & Sciences.