Ohio State University trustees have fired a social work professor for sexual misconduct.
Two reports filed last year cited unwanted gender-based verbal and physical conduct by René Olate that created a hostile educational environment.
An investigation by the university’s Office of Institutional Equity found Olate “commented on students' physical appearances, described graphic details of sexual assault in a class lecture, commented on a student's sexuality, touched the shoulders and backs of female students, hugged and kissed one female student and requested to have an intimate relationship with a student, who declined his advances."
Olate came to Ohio State in 2011 and focused much of his work on youth violence, masculinities and Latino gangs
In a letter to trustees, Olate refuted the claims that led to his firing.
"Throughout this investigation, I have told my supervisors and others at OSU that I was willing to leave OSU. I did not wish to stay where my reputation was so severely injured by false allegations," he wrote.
