CW: Sexual harassment; sexual assault
Oxford University is facing mounting media scrutiny after a Bloomberg investigation alleged that the University has consistently mishandled sexual harassment complaints involving senior male academics. The investigation, which took place over nine months and drew on interviews with almost 50 people, describes an environment in which complaints were often addressed slowly, quietly, or not at all. Several of the individuals interviewed by Bloomberg said they feared retaliation or other repercussions for coming forward, particularly given the significant power imbalances within departments.
A University spokesperson told Cherwell: “Sexual harassment has no place at Oxford. Our sympathies and thoughts are with anyone who has experienced harassment or misconduct. We strive to ensure that Oxford is always a safe space for all students and staff. We take concerns seriously, applying robust procedures.
“Support for those affected is a priority, and we take precautionary and/or disciplinary action where justified. We reject any suggestion that the University tolerates harassment or puts reputation before people’s safety. While we cannot comment on individual cases, we are committed to continuous improvement and have strengthened our approach over recent years.”
The Bloomberg report outlines numerous cases in the past two decades, revealing what many staff and students characterised as a persistent pattern of institutional inaction. According to the investigation, seven women reported alleged rapes or sexual assaults across the University in the past five years, while more than 30 women described direct experiences of harassment or bullying during the past 20 years.
Over the course of this year, Oxford has become the subject of two legal actions concerning harassment, while also conducting three internal inquiries. Cherwell understands that one of these concerns a senior figure at the Institute for Ethics in AI, as well as a senior figure at the Saïd Business School.
Cherwell also recently reported that Professor Mette Morsing has been named interim Dean of the Saïd Business school, following the resignation of Professor Sourmitra Dutta. A five-month internal investigation upheld three harassment allegations against Dutta made by a female academic. At the time, the University had stated that it would address concerns via “established procedures” and maintain a “strong framework of support… for staff and students… subject to harassment.”
Some of those interviewed told Bloomberg that action was frequently taken only after a series of complaints, rather than in response to the first allegation. In several cases, outcomes of investigations were kept confidential, enabling accused individuals to move to posts at other institutions without the circumstances being known. Two women further alleged that the University had breached their privacy during the handling of their cases. Staff quoted in the report described a culture in which the public standing of prominent academics often seemed to be prioritised over the well-being and safety of students and junior researchers.
Bloomberg’s investigation also touches on safeguarding concerns within individual colleges. At New College, five people told reporters that several academics were well known for predatory behaviour towards more junior women. At Balliol College, interviewees described unsympathetic attitudes toward alleged victims and flawed safeguarding practices. The collegiate structure, in which responsibility for welfare is divided between colleges and the central University, was cited by several people as exacerbating these issues.
In response to the article, New College circulated an email to all students addressing the concerns raised. The message, signed by Tutor for Welfare Jonathan Black, described the behaviour detailed in the Bloomberg article as “distressing” and encouraged any student affected to contact the College welfare team or the chaplaincy. New College made a point of stating that it was not aware of the details of the historic allegations described in relation to a 2018/19 University-handled case and therefore could not comment on them. A spokesperson at New College told Cherwell: “New College cannot comment on any individual allegation, but the College takes allegations of sexual harassment very seriously, has robust procedures in place and invests in both training and welfare in support of this.”
Social media reaction to the Bloomberg investigation further amplified concerns about Oxford’s handling of misconduct allegations. Several academics publicly shared their experiences and frustration, including one former Oxford researcher who wrote that his wife had been sexually harassed by a senior social psychologist during her PhD. One high-profile Oxford professor who was referenced in the Bloomberg report also issued a brief statement denying the allegations and noting that he was pursuing legal remedies, while expressing gratitude to those who had supported him.
If you’ve been affected by issues in this article:
• You can access the University’s Sexual Harassment & Violence Support Service for confidential, specialist support (no report required). The service includes an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA). Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service | University of Oxford.
• Reporting options: Under the Student Disciplinary Procedure (Non-Academic Cases) student cases are handled by the Proctors and the University’s disciplinary panels. You may choose whether to make a University report or a police report; University support is available regardless. See the summary page Supporting Students at Oxford: Preventing and Responding to Harassment and Sexual Misconduct | University of Oxford and the Non-Academic Disciplinary Procedure.
• Statute XI (Student Conduct): guidance on how conduct cases are assessed and the Proctors’ role is set out on the University website Student conduct | University of Oxford
• Independent advice: Oxford SU Advice can support students considering a University or college process.
