The embattled former Chancellor of UC Berkeley law school who was accused of sexual harassment by his accuser has reached a settlement in the case and also in his dispute with the university.
In the settlement made available to AsAmNews, Sujit Choudhry agreed to pay $50,000 to the charities of his accuser and former executive assistant’s choice and $50,000 in legal fees.
He also agreed to drop his complaint of racial discrimination against the University of California and the UC Regents agreed to drop all disciplinary proceedings against Choudhry.
The charities Tyann Sorrell said she will select all do work in the area of sexual harassment and abuse.
Reaction to the settlement was mixed.
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“I think (the settlement) sort of perpetuates this toxic cycle on campus … where perpetrators, especially faculty and staff, are not held accountable to their actions.” said Rosa Kwak, a student and member of the commission on sexual violence, said to the Daily Cal. “This case is very invalidating to survivors.”
Others were more optimistic.
“I believe this case (has) deepened the university’s resolve and led to changes that should reduce the incidence of sexual harassment,” former UC Provost Claude Steele said to SF Gate . “It has been a painful period, and we have further to go.”
In a joint statement by UC Regents and Choudhry, the parties expressed satisfaction that the matter has been resolved.
“The Regents and Professor Choudhry are satisfied that this is an appropriate resolution, and they look forward to putting this matter behind them.”
Sorrell also released a joint statement with the university.
“Ms. Sorrell recognizes and appreciates the steps that the University has recently taken to increase its training and prevention activities regarding sexual harassment. Moreover, she is pleased that the University is reexamining all of its policies regarding sexual harassment, whether the harassment involves students, faculty, staff or administrators. Ms. Sorrell hopes that this progress will continue and that the voices of those who have experienced sexual harassment will be part of the dialogue for change.”
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