Renowned economics professor Roland G. Fryer Jr. has been involved in sexually harassing women at workplace, including bullying and retaliation, according to the conclusions drawn by a Harvard University investigator.
The report, accessed by The New York Times, finds Fryer, who won a MacArthur “genius” grant in 2011, of indulging in “unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature” with four researchers working at the school.
In March, the university barred him from the EdLabs, which he founded in 2008. He is also being investigated by the state of Massachusetts in two other Title IX complaints with allegations of gender and sexual harassment.
In an emailed statement to the Times, Fryer denied findings and said jokes and comments of “sexual nature were occasionally part of such discussions.”
“Many people commented on each others’ lives outside of work including their dating and other relationships. Jokes and comments by both female and male lab workers of a sexual nature were occasionally part of such discussions,” he wrote.
“Not one person has ever complained to me or to any other manager or employee that I am aware of suggesting they felt uncomfortable about any of these interactions. That said, if any comments made in the past were found to be offensive or made anyone uncomfortable, that was certainly never my intent and I am deeply sorry.”
In October, the American Economic Association decision to appoint Fryer as its executive committee member was widely condemned, while the association denied any knowledge of investigation against him.
3-Year Suspension Handed Over to UC Professor for Sexual Harassment
