A renowned professor known as one of the best organists of his generation has resigned from his post at the Oberlin College following allegations of sexual misconduct.
James David Christie resigned as a conservatory professor after the college initiated title IX investigation against him.
The Oberlin spokesperson Scott Wargo confirmed to The Chronicle that college received a report alleging Christie of violating its sexual misconduct policy by engaging in inappropriate behavior. The college responded by placing him on paid administrative leave until it completes its investigation.
College President Carmen Twillie Ambar on Thursday wrote a letter to the college community and said, “Some of the individuals facing these complaints chose to tender their resignations rather than participating in our investigative process. Despite these resignations, our investigative processes continue so we can ascertain the facts. Others participated in the formal process.”
“In each instance, we used an independent investigator to complete fact-finding or to conduct climate assessments in the appropriate departments to determine if the conduct was more than an isolated occurrence.”
A similar investigation has been initiated against Christie by the Wellesley College and Holy Cross College in Worcester following allegations of sexual abuse extending over decades.
