LSE: We’ve filed a case over their investigation into sexual misconduct

Content warning: sexual misconduct 

Good Law Project has filed a case against the London School of Economics (LSE), over the way they handled a complaint.

When five women made formal complaints of sexual misconduct against a senior professor at the LSE, the university carried out a botched investigation and kept him in post. 

We’re supporting one woman as she takes action over the way they bungled her complaint. We’ve filed a case with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator of Higher Education, challenging the university’s investigation and exposing how it fell short – failing the women they’re supposed to protect. 

LSE’s handling of our claimant’s case was a disaster from start to finish. They promised to follow up with key witnesses and then didn’t follow through. They dismissed claims citing a “lack of proof” despite clear evidence. And they cut our claimant out of the process and refused to allow her to appeal. Add in delays and the professor’s “suspension from all school duties” to which the university made exceptions without notifying the women, and it’s clear the system is broken. 

While LSE have accepted and apologised for some failures in the process, they maintain that the investigation was “lengthy and thorough” and have repeatedly rejected the majority of our claimant’s complaints.

We’re backing her demand for a new investigation, a real apology, and recognition that the university’s current sexual misconduct rules just don’t cut it. She wants clear new guidelines – based on the 1752 Group’s Sector Guidance – an independent review of the university’s support and processes, and fair financial compensation.

Because universities must do better and support women who speak out on campus.