University of Michigan paying $9.25M to abuse victims
The University of Michigan says it will pay $9.25 million to eight women who reported emotional or sexual abuse by a man who became the school’s chief academic officer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The University of Michigan said Wednesday it will pay $9.25 million to eight women who reported emotional or sexual abuse by a man who became the school's chief academic officer.
"We thank them for their courage and we apologize to each one of them and to all survivors," the university said.
Martin Philbert spent 25 years at the university, rising from toxicology professor to dean of the School of Public Health and then provost in 2017, a job that paid $570,000 a year.
An investigation found that Philbert committed sexual misconduct during his long career, harassing graduate students and staff and regularly having trysts in campus offices, according to a law firm hired by U-M.
Philbert was fired in March, weeks after being put on leave by President Mark Schlissel. He quit as a faculty member in June.
Philbert hasn't talked publicly about the allegations.
"The University of Michigan failed on many levels as this individual advanced through the administrative ranks,” the university said.
Investigators found that allegations about Philbert’s conduct had reached campus officials at certain points. The report said the provost search committee wasn’t aware, although a member apparently was familiar with some allegations “but did not think about it.”