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UT adviser fired, accused of sexually harassing female students at prior university

Dr. Lee Waldrep, an academic adviser in the UT College of Architecture and Design, was fired after the allegations were brought to the university's attention.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An academic adviser for the UT college of architecture and design has been terminated after allegations of sexual harassment against him surfaced at his former job.

Dr. Lee Waldrep was placed on administrative leave Monday following a report of sexual harassment from the University of Illinois being made public Sunday.

The university said it did not follow the standard procedure of performing reference checks when the college hired Waldrep. 

"The university has hiring policies and protocols in place to ensure the best faculty and staff are hired. A background check on Dr. Waldrep did not reveal any criminal activity; however, our college did not complete the expected reference checks, which might have prevented this unfortunate situation," said Scott Poole, dean of the college, in a letter to students.

A university spokesperson said it is committed to ensuring those across campus who make hiring decisions understand the expectations for adhering to our processes and will take steps to prevent this from happening again.

In the termination letter sent to Waldrep, Poole told Waldrep he had lied that he was 'furloughed' by his UIUC -- saying his position had been eliminated for financial reasons.

"I am appalled by the behaviors described in  he ODEA report, and am disappointed that you made misrepresentations in the interview process. I regret that CoAD potentially compromised the safety of its students by hiring you, and your employment is terminated effective today," Poole wrote. 

Of note, Waldrep's background application asked specifically if he had ever been terminated for cause or asked to resign in lieu of termination. He answered yes -- but said there was 'no explanation from employer.' The college listed that is something to be verified before employment.   

According to an investigative report filed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Aug. 2017, the university received complaints from eight students who alleged they were sexually harassed by Waldrep.

Waldrep had voluntarily resigned from his role as a student services administrator days before a final report on the allegations was issued.

According to the report, "the students allege that Dr. Waldrep tended to single out female students for unwanted attention, touching, and other conduct that they deemed to cross professional boundaries."

The students described the incidents where  Waldrep 'blocked their path on a stairwell, backed them into a railing or a wall, pinned their legs between his while sitting across from them, or stood uncomfortably close to them.'

The females say they endured unwanted physical touching, including "unsolicited and unwanted hugs, grabbing and holding their hands, touching or massaging their legs and thighs, rubbing or patting their backs and shoulders, and the touching their buttocks."

One of the complainant's allegations said the pattern of behavior was so pervasive and well-known that other students stepped up to intervene in behalf of the females. 

Waldrep denied having engaged in such conduct outside hugging students, which he contended were appropriate and said he sought permission in advance. 

The investigation concluded saying the totality of circumstances supported the students' complaints, saying 'Dr. Waldrep sexually harassed female students in violation of University policy.'

After resigning from UIUC, Waldrep began working at the career center of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington until he landed the job at UT.

IWU said it was also unaware of the complaints that had been filed against him at the time they hired him. 

"This has been a difficult week for many in our college, and I want to apologize to each of you for any duress this situation has caused," said Poole in his letter, also assuring students that their advising needs would be taken care of.

Poole provided the letters sent during the search process in early 2018 to fill the adviser position, which recommended and praised Waldrep for being a 'truly exceptional candidate.'

In a letter Poole sent to the university asking for approval to hire Waldrep, Poole said the college was 'fortunate' to have Waldrep apply for the position -- noting that they had a narrow pool of candidates to choose from.

In a letter sent to Poole by the search committee, the committee passed a motion recommending they hire Waldrep due to his qualifications. The committee expressed concerns that Waldrep may have been overqualified and  -- with one member voting not to recommend for that reason.

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