Harvard Places Professor On Leave Amid Sexual Misconduct Claims

CAMBRIDGE, MA – A Harvard University professor has been placed on administrative leave following a series of sexual misconduct allegations spanning 30 years. At least 10 of Jorge Dominguez's former students and colleagues accused him of sexual harassment in an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education last week, the Harvard Crimson reported.

"I write to announce that the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) has placed Jorge Dominguez on administrative leave, pending a full and fair review of the facts and circumstances regarding allegations that have come to light," FAS Michael D. Smith wrote in an email Sunday, according to the Crimson. "I want to state unequivocally that the FAS will not tolerate sexual harassment. I encourage anyone who has witnessed sexual harassment in the FAS, recently or in the past, to come forward and share their experiences with our Title IX coordinators."

Dominguez, who teaches Government, was banned from administrative duties in 1983 after former assistant professor Terry Karl and another graduate student alleged that he made sexual advances toward them, according to the Crimson.

Since then, he has served as the director of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and as the school's first vice provost for International Affairs.

Dominguez was told he would be placed on leave a "couple hours before" the decision was announced, his lawyer said in an email to the Crimson.

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