Decades Later, BU Professor Fired For Sexual Harassment

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.

Science Magazine first reported that BU President Robert Brown sent a letter to faculty Friday saying he reviewed the case and concluded David Marchant's employment should be terminated. Brown's decision overrules a recommendation from a faculty panel that concluded Marchant should be suspended without pay for three years and then allowed to return to BU.

A 13-month investigation concluded Marchant created a hostile working and living environment for a female graduate student at the Antarctica camp.

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."

Resources: You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also visit online.rainn.org to receive support via confidential online chat.