Top US astronomer quits over sexual harassment scandal

US astronomer Geoffrey “Geoff” W. Marcy, Professor of Astronomy at the University of California. AFP PHOTO

LOS ANGELES, United States—A renowned US astronomer accused of repeated sexual harassment has resigned from his post at a California university that had been criticized for treating him too leniently.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the University of California Berkeley confirmed that professor Geoff Marcy had quit, saying an investigation had found his conduct “contemptible and inexcusable.”

“We believe this outcome is entirely appropriate and have immediately accepted his resignation,” the statement said.

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Marcy, who has been mentioned for the Nobel Prize for his work on planets, allegedly sexually harassed female students a number of times between 2001 and 2010.

The alleged inappropriate behavior included groping, kissing and massaging the women.

The university launched an investigation after the claims surfaced last year and subsequently imposed strict guidelines on Marcy’s behavior.

However, faculty members and students had expressed outrage over the university’s failure to sack him.

“We urge the UC Berkeley administration to reevaluate its response to Marcy, who has been found in violation of UC sexual harassment policy,” a previous letter by Marcy’s colleagues read.

“We believe that Geoff Marcy cannot perform the functions of a faculty member.”

In an open letter posted online last week, Marcy apologized and said he had “changed in major ways for the better.”

“While I do not agree with each complaint that was made, it is clear that my behavior was unwelcomed by some women,” Marcy wrote.

“I take full responsibility and hold myself completely accountable for my actions and the impact they had.”