Case Western Dean Takes Leave After Complaints Get Juicier
And they say nothing exciting happens in Cleveland.
A couple weeks ago, we relayed a few salacious rumors about Case Western Reserve University School of Law Dean Lawrence Mitchell's semi-extra-curricular interests. According to a lawsuit filed by a disgruntled professor and former associate dean, as well as a flyer distributed at a recent university event, Dean Mitchell had allegedly been carrying on sexual relationships with students, lawyers, and staff members.
Those rumors got even more salacious last week, with Professor Raymond Ku filing an amended complaint on Halloween. Dean Mitchell announced a leave of absence this morning.
Amended (And Substantiated) Allegations
The Plain Dealer relays all of the naughty details from the amended complaint, including tales of attempted threesomes with staff members and students.
Professor Ku relayed an unnamed professor's allegation that a student reported that Dean Mitchell propositioned a student for a threesome. In addition, a former staff member, identified by the Dealer as attorney Daniel Dubé, substantiated many of Ku's claims, including telling university officials that he was complicit in the retaliation against the disgruntled professor.
Dubé also claims that he feared for his personal safety after he became aware of Dean Mitchell's affair with a student, and after he and his date turned down an offer for a threesome with the dean at a students and staff party at the Dean's house.
After Dubé came forward to the university with his concerns, he was also allegedly retaliated against, by having his email and parking pass cut off. He was transferred, and laid off, shortly thereafter. Though he had been at the university for less than a year, he was offered a severance package, which he declined due to the inclusion of a non-disclosure agreement.
Leave of Absence
According to Above the Law, Dean Mitchell sent out an email this morning announcing his temporary departure, stating:
"I have asked the university to permit me to take a temporary leave of absence. This will allow the university to conduct its independent review of this matter. I am confident that this review will be done expeditiously and that this review, again, will affirm that neither I nor the university have done anything wrong or improper. I am also confident that it will put this behind us. I intend to take full advantage of the legal process to seek justice."
Later that day, the university's administration met with faculty and staff to discuss the "recent developments involving the school." ATL notes that the source of the email, Chris Sheridan, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, could indicate that the university itself, rather than the law school, has taken over the internal review.
Related Resources:
- Accusations of Bias in 11th Cir. Judge Pryor's Nude Photo Scandal (FindLaw's Eleventh Circuit Blog)
- 6th Circuit Makes Right Call in Cancelling Judicial Conference (FindLaw's Sixth Circuit Blog)
- SCOTUS: Sorry, Your Lawyer Was Unethical But Not Per Se Ineffective (FindLaw's U.S. Supreme Court Blog)