Update on PBS Faculty Member Disciplinary Process

To the Dartmouth community,

I am writing to let you know that faculty member William M. Kelley in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) has resigned, effective immediately.

Kelley's resignation concludes a months-long investigative and disciplinary process concerning allegations of sexual misconduct involving three PBS faculty members. All three are no longer associated with Dartmouth. Their departures follow recommendations made in accordance with College policy by the dean of the faculty of arts and sciences, Elizabeth F. Smith, to revoke their tenured appointments and terminate their employment based on the findings of separate investigations by an experienced external investigator. All three recommendations were endorsed by the faculty-elected A&S Review Committee.

As with the other two faculty members, Dartmouth did not enter into separation or non-disclosure agreements with Kelley and has made no severance payments to him. Kelley had been on paid leave since last fall. All three former faculty members will continue to be prohibited from entering campus property or from attending any Dartmouth-sponsored events, no matter where they are held.

The process that led to this conclusion has been rigorous and designed to safeguard the rights of the participants. As I have noted previously, Dartmouth continues to cooperate with law enforcement officials on their separate investigation into these allegations.

I would like to reiterate that sexual misconduct and harassment have no place at Dartmouth. We will investigate all allegations fairly and impartially and hold accountable any community members found to have violated our policies or standards. Dartmouth's sexual respect website offers assistance and resources to those in need. Please do not hesitate to seek help.

We are committed to improving our culture as we seek a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our community. The Presidential Steering Committee on Sexual Misconduct, charged in January with reviewing revisions to institution-wide policies on sexual misconduct response, prevention, education and accountability, has now submitted its report for review by Dartmouth's senior leadership. Following the review, we will seek community feedback on next steps from the report.

The past several months have been challenging for Dartmouth. We will now focus our attention on the work ahead to make this the best community it can be. I am encouraged by the progress we have made so far and know that together we can achieve this goal.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Philip J. Hanlon '77
President