MIAMI, Fla. (AP) – Florida International University’s president has given an explanation for his surprise departure, telling students, teachers, and staff that he is terminating his 45-year career due to a “emotional (not physical) entanglement.” “with a respected colleague
In his emailed announcement on Friday, Mark Rosenberg initially highlighted his and his wife’s health. His wife’s failing condition — she has advanced dementia — had prompted him to act inappropriately with a coworker, he stated in a statement to the University of South Florida community on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, these concerns spilled over into my work, and I upset a valuable colleague.” I unwittingly entangled myself in emotional (rather than physical) entanglements. I’ve expressed my regret. Please accept my apologies. I accept full responsibility for my actions and regret them “According to the statement.
A lady in her twenties who worked closely with the 72-year-old university president told a colleague in December that he had been harassing her for months, according to the Miami Herald.
According to the publication, the school engaged an independent legal firm to head an inquiry, which will likely result in a final report within weeks.
According to the Herald, the harassment began in October, and the victim turned down his advances because they made her feel uncomfortable. Rosenberg apologised sincerely and promised it would never happen again, but a few weeks later made the same unwelcome overtures again, prompting the woman to express her dissatisfaction, according to the Herald.
When it happened a third time, the woman chose to separate herself from Rosenberg, telling a colleague she couldn’t work with him any longer, according to the newspaper.
The following day, Rosenberg informed FIU Board of Trustees Chairman Dean Colson of the incident, and Colson began an investigation. The woman was put on paid administrative leave, and it took her a few weeks to agree to meet with investigators. Rosenberg was given the option to quit or face termination at an extraordinary meeting of FIU’s Board of Trustees on Thursday, according to the Herald.
“The statement by Dr. Rosenberg provides further insight into his resignation on Friday,” Colson said in a statement released Sunday. The events that have forced his resignation have left us very grieved and dissatisfied. FIU will not comment further at this time due to concerns about employee privacy. FIU has robust personnel and workplace conduct standards in place, takes all workplace conduct seriously, and is committed to executing those policies completely and quickly.”
Kenneth Jessell, FIU’s top financial officer and senior vice president of finance and administration, was named interim president by the trustees. The Florida Board of Governors, which controls the state’s public colleges, must approve his appointment.
Rosenberg started as an assistant professor of political science at FIU in 1976. In 1979, he established the Latin American and Caribbean Center.
The main campus of Florida International University is in western Miami-Dade County, with branch campuses throughout South Florida. There are around 42,000 undergraduate students and 17,000 graduate students enrolled.
“I’m sorry. I’ve apologised.” In his statement, Rosenberg stated, “I apologise to you.” “I accept full responsibility for my actions and regret them.”
The resignation of Rosenberg Friday comes only days after Mark Schlissel, the president of the University of Michigan, was fired for having a “inappropriate relationship with a university employee.”