Update on PBS Faculty Member Disciplinary Process

To the Dartmouth community,

I am writing to update you on the investigative and disciplinary process regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving faculty members William M. Kelley and Paul J. Whalen in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and to let you know that Whalen has resigned, effective immediately.

Whalen's resignation follows a recommendation by the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Elizabeth F. Smith, which was endorsed by the faculty-elected A&S Review Committee, to revoke Whalen's tenured appointment and terminate his employment on the basis of the findings of an investigation by an experienced external investigator.

Dartmouth has not entered into separation or non-disclosure agreements with Whalen and has made no severance payments to him. Whalen, who had been on paid leave since last fall, will continue to be prohibited from entering campus property and from attending any Dartmouth-sponsored events, no matter where they are held.

Dean Smith has made a separate recommendation with regard to Kelley. That recommendation was first assessed by the A&S Review Committee and is now under review by the faculty-elected, Dartmouth-wide Council on Academic Freedom and Responsibility (CAFR). Once that review is complete, I will deliver the CAFR report and the full transcript of any hearings to the board of trustees. At that point, the board will make a final decision on Kelley's case.

Kelley remains on paid leave with restricted access to Dartmouth property pending the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings in his case. In addition, Dartmouth continues to cooperate with law enforcement officials on their separate investigation into these allegations.

These are difficult issues, but as we move forward, I am confident that we are strengthening our community. Thank you for your patience and support as this process continues.

Sincerely,

Phil Hanlon '77
President