Harvard University and three graduate students have reached a settlement in a federal lawsuit that accused the university of turning a blind eye to complaints of sexual harassment by a renowned professor. The lawsuit alleged that the professor, John Comaroff, subjected one student to repeated forcible kissing and groping as early as 2017. It was also claimed that the professor intimidated students by threatening to obstruct their careers.
The lawsuit, filed in Boston in 2022, has been dismissed without court costs and with prejudice, meaning the students cannot pursue the claims further. The terms of the settlement remain confidential. The students’ lawyers commended their clients for coming forward and shedding light on important issues, expressing relief that their clients can now move on with their lives and careers.
Comaroff, 79, was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. His lawyers previously denied the allegations, stating that he had never harassed or retaliated against any student. Comaroff emphasized that his advice about potential dangers in an African country, which was discussed during a meeting with a student, was motivated by concern for her safety based on similar warnings issued by the U.S. State Department.
Following the lawsuit, Harvard spokespersons revealed that Comaroff was placed on administrative leave for the remainder of the spring semester due to violations of the school’s policies on sexual, gender-based, and professional conduct. The professor announced his retirement from Harvard in July, criticizing the lawsuit for rehashing allegations that had already been deemed lacking in merit by a prior university investigation.
Prior to the settlement, Harvard’s legal team had sought a dismissal, citing expired statutes of limitations and lacking merit in some claims. Comments on the settlement from attorneys representing Comaroff and Harvard were not immediately available.
