Harvard University has settled a lawsuit alleging the institution ignored sexual harassment claims against a former anthropology professor, John Comaroff.
The lawsuit, filed by three graduate students—Margaret Czerwienski, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava—was voluntarily dismissed on Wednesday following mediation.
The lawsuit had gained national attention for its claims that Comaroff, who retired earlier this year, engaged in unwanted physical contact with students and threatened to damage their academic careers if they reported him. The settlement terms remain undisclosed.
The students’ legal team, Sanford Heisler Sharp, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, praising the bravery of their clients in bringing attention to the issue.
Harvard and Comaroff’s lawyer did not comment on the settlement. Comaroff has previously denied the allegations, labeling them as false and part of a broader campaign against him.
Harvard’s internal investigation had found Comaroff in violation of its sexual harassment policies. The lawsuit alleged that Harvard’s failure to act on the students’ complaints allowed Comaroff to continue his misconduct, which included inappropriate physical contact and threatening remarks.