News
Provost Recommends Detenuring Process for Journalism Prof
By: Susan Tebben
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ATHENS — The Executive Vice President and Provost of Ohio University has recommended taking away the tenure of a journalism professor investigated for sexual harassment.
A university investigation substantiated allegations that Dr. Yusuf Kalyango sexually harassed a graduate student employee. Also substantiated were allegations of sexual harassment by hostile work environment and harassment based on gender.
Last month, a University Professional Ethics Committee reviewed the accusations and evidence, and recommended starting the process of stripping the professor of his tenure.
“The respondent (Kalyango) is in a position of power, which the complainant (the woman in the sexual harassment case) is not,” the committee stated. “This power appeared to be used to intimidate and control the complainant.”
VP and Provost Dr. Chaden Djalali reviewed the committee’s recommendations in accordance with university procedure. Kalayango was notified of Djalali’s decision in a letter obtained by WOUB.
“I accept the UPEC’s determination that your conduct presents adequate cause to recommend that your school initiate loss of tenure and/or dismissal proceedings,” Djalali wrote in the letter.
Two other investigations are reportedly being conducted involving Kalyango, according to WOUB sources.
Also last month, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs conducted a “site visit” at the university “as a result of the recent happenings concerning…Yusuf Kalyongo (sic),” according to previous WOUB reporting. The department sought to review finances related to the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the Study of the United States Institute (SUSI).
Both YALI and SUSI are administered by the Institute for International Journalism, which is headed by Kalyango.
According to university procedure, Kalyango has 21 days to appeal the provost’s decision to President Duane Nellis. A request for comment was sent to Kalyango’s attorney.