Statement by Alan K. Cubbage, Northwestern University Vice President for University Relations

Earlier this year, Northwestern University received allegations of inappropriate conduct by Alec Klein, a professor in the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. The University takes seriously all complaints that are brought to its attention and investigated those allegations promptly and thoroughly, following established University procedures.

Complaints to Northwestern’s Office of Equity are confidential in nature in order to protect the individuals involved. Therefore, Northwestern cannot confirm the details that have been made public regarding the investigation into the behavior of Professor Klein.

Northwestern University apologizes to our current and former students and former employees for the experiences that they went through. Their decisions to come forward with their complaints undoubtedly were not easy ones, and we commend them for having the courage to do so. Northwestern is committed to fostering an environment in which all members of our community are safe, secure and free from sexual misconduct of any form.

Professor Klein remains on a leave of absence from all of his positions at Northwestern and is not on campus. The Medill Justice Project continues to operate under the direction of other Medill faculty members and Medill continues to offer courses in investigative journalism.