Daily US Times, Michigan: A provost of the University of Michigan was placed on administrative leave Tuesday after authorities launched an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
On Wednesday, the university said that they have received several allegations of sexual misconduct against Martin Philbert last week and retained an outside law firm to investigate the claims.
Philbert joined the school’s faculty as a toxicology professor in 1995. He was appointed provost in 2017.
The university said in the statement that professor Philbert was placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation and instructed not to report to work.
University President Mark Schlissel sent a letter to the staff and students on Wednesday where he said ”The U-M Board of Regents and I are committed to a full and thorough investigation, and we will continue to work to ensure the integrity of the process, following the same policy and practices that apply to all employees at U-M.”
He further added that the administration took sexual misconduct very seriously.
”Our policy is clear: Sexual misconduct will not be tolerated in the University of Michigan community.”
The university administration did not provide any details about the allegation against Philbert but confirmed the claims surfaced Jan. 16 to 17.
University has offered support services to those affected.
You may like: China issues travel warning as Coronavirus deaths surge