Harvard Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed by Graduate Students

Harvard University has concluded a legal dispute concerning allegations of sexual harassment by a former professor. The case, which garnered national attention, has been settled through mediation, resulting in the voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit by the three graduate students who initiated it in 2022.

The lawsuit centered on claims against John Comaroff, a former anthropology professor at Harvard. The plaintiffs - Margaret Czerwienski, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava - alleged that Comaroff had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including unwanted physical contact and threats to their academic careers if they reported his actions.

According to the legal filing, Comaroff was accused of kissing and groping students, as well as making graphic threats about potential harm to one student if she pursued a same-sex relationship in South Africa. The lawsuit also claimed that Harvard failed to act on warnings about Comaroff's behavior, allowing him to retaliate against students who reported him by jeopardizing their job prospects.

The case highlighted issues of sexual harassment in academia, a problem that has gained increased attention since the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017. It also brought into focus the protections offered by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding.

"We're proud of our clients' courage in coming forward, speaking up about their experiences, and shedding light on important issues."

While the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the law firm representing the women expressed satisfaction that their clients can now move forward with their lives and careers.

Prior to the lawsuit's resolution, Harvard had conducted an internal investigation that found Comaroff had violated the university's policies on professional conduct and sexual harassment through verbal conduct. This internal finding preceded the federal lawsuit filed by the students.

Comaroff, who retired earlier in 2024, has consistently denied the allegations. In a statement on his website in July 2024, he referred to the claims as "fact-free allegations" and described facing an "ugly, ferocious campaign" by campus activists.

The case against Harvard, which was filed in federal court in Boston, had largely survived a motion to dismiss in March 2023. The lawsuit alleged violations of Title IX and various Massachusetts laws designed to protect individuals from discrimination and harassment.

This settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing conversation about sexual harassment in higher education institutions. Harvard University, founded in 1636 and renowned as the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, has faced scrutiny over its handling of such cases.

The resolution of this case through mediation demonstrates the increasing use of alternative dispute resolution methods in addressing sensitive issues within academic settings. As universities continue to grapple with these challenges, the outcome of this lawsuit may influence how similar cases are approached in the future.