Winchester professor quits Oxford University after sexual harassment allegation

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A WINCHESTER academic has agreed to resign as dean of an Oxford college following an allegation of sexual harassment.

Christ Church said a mediation process concluded on Friday which resolved all outstanding issues between the college and its dean, the Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy.

He is a visiting professor at the Center for the Study of Values ​​at the University of Winchester.

The university has been asked for comment.

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The college said the person who accused the dean of sexual harassment has settled his complaint with him on terms that, at his request, are confidential.

The person, referred to by the college as X, said he filed a sexual harassment complaint against the dean in October 2020, which he has always denied.

She said in a statement released by the college: “He also denied assaulting me, including after I brought proceedings against him in the employment tribunal. I have to accept, with incredible reluctance, that it It was my word against his that the incident took place.

“I am fully aware that this is a situation faced by many women who file sexual complaints. Unfortunately, the various processes that have followed have not changed this situation.

“However, I want to acknowledge that Christ Church, to their credit, has always supported my right to file this complaint.”

The college said it had made it clear throughout the various dispute processes with the Dean that no resolution could be found unless the concerns of the individual alleging sexual harassment against them were fully addressed. account.

At the individual’s request, Christ Church said it will commission a comprehensive review of its sexual harassment policies and procedures within 12 months to be conducted by an independent expert.

The college said the review will ensure that all future cases are dealt with “fairly and expeditiously”.

In his statement, X said: “I know what I went through that day and I want to make sure that no other student or staff member goes through the ordeal that I am going through. I am happy that the dean has agreed to resign from his role at Christ Church and, in return, I have agreed to settle my outstanding claims against him.

“I am reassured that Christ Church has begun the important work of ensuring that its practices and policies provide the best possible support and protection for all members of its community.

“I will work with Christ Church to ensure that any changes they adopt reflect my experiences. I sincerely hope this helps in some way to ensure that other students and staff avoid the distress I experienced. I want to thank Christ Church for resolving my complaint against the Dean.

“Of course, I wish a resolution could be achieved more quickly and without the pain and stress I endured, so that the sense of injustice I have long felt could be, if not entirely eradicated, made more bearable.”

In a statement, Christ Church said: “Christ Church has always considered the safety and well-being of its students and staff to be its highest priority.

“Any such allegation will always be thoroughly investigated and dealt with, respecting the right to a fair trial for the accused.”

He added: “Christ Church is deeply sorry for the hurt this individual has suffered and we regret the time it has taken to resolve these matters regarding the Dean.”

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The college said Prof Percy had agreed to voluntarily step down as dean of Christ Church and would leave on April 26.

But an email to his college address elicited an automated response that read, “I have now left Christ Church.”

A profile of the dean on the college’s website states that he “presides over both the college and the cathedral, as well as the choir, with his world-class cathedral choir.”

The profile says Prof Percy is a member of the Theology Faculty at Oxford University, and also a tutor in the Social Sciences Division and Said Business School.

He is said to be Professor of Theological Education at King’s College London, Research Professor at Heythrop College (University of London) and Visiting Professor at the Center for the Study of Values ​​at the University of Winchester and the Center for Theologically Engaged Anthropology, University of Georgia.

The profile lists a number of roles he has held or currently holds in public life, including director of the Advertising Standards Authority, adviser to the British Board of Film Classification and patron of St Francis’ Children’s Society.

He also says he has the “curious distinction” of being the only living theologian to feature in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code.

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