Tyann Sorrell, 41, claimed in a lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court that in 2014 that Sujit Choudhry began rubbing her shoulders and arms, kissing her cheeks and giving her bear hugs on a ‘near daily’ basis. She claimed this made her feel ‘disgusted, humiliated, exposed and dirty.’

Claude Steele, Berkeley’s executive vice chancellor and provost, cited the report of an investigation into the matter conducted by the university’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination: ‘Dean Choudhry’s behavior … violated policy, … he demonstrated a failure to understand the power dynamic and the effect of his actions on the plaintiff personally and in her employment. … A combination of disciplinary actions, monitoring of his behavior and formal training would be an appropriate and effective response, and would produce the necessary changes in his behavior.’

Mr Steele in a statement that Mr Choudhry will take an indefinite leave of absence from his position as dean, stepping down to his faculty position and salary. Mr Choudhry’s salary as dean has been cut by 10 per cent and he is also expected to immediately seek counselling at his own expense and apologise to Ms Sorell.

Mr Steele said that Ms Sorrell has been granted fully paid administrative leave — which she is still on. He added that he expects the school will have an announcement as soon as possible about an interim replacement to Mr Choudhry. Sources: The Washington Post; Bloomberg BNA