Sexual misconduct allegations spanning four decades have forced a renowned University of Michigan professor to take leave of absence.
Stephen Shipps, who is a Theatre & Dance professor at School of Music, stepped down as director of the Strings Preparatory Academy and Chair of Strings earlier this month and will retire from the school next year, according to The Detroit News.
“Yesterday, I received a letter from Dean Gier thanking me for my years of service and placing me on Administrative Leave for the Winter Semester. We agreed that my retirement date would be May 31, 2019,” Shipps wrote in an email to the students.
The departure of the professor came three days before newspaper Michigan Daily published an investigative piece detailing Shipps’ sexual predatory behavior. He has been accused of sexual assault, inappropriate sexual behavior, sexists overtones, and relationships with students, among other issues.
The university hasn’t issued any statement or announced a formal investigation over the allegations yet.
“The university does not typically comment on personnel matters,” University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald told Michigan Daily. “And, at this time, we have no additional information to share.”
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