Oxford Professor Forced to Resign Following Sexual Misconduct Investigation
A prominent academic has been compelled to resign from his prestigious positions at the University of Oxford and the British Academy after a Bloomberg investigation uncovered multiple allegations of unwanted sexual advances toward female students and junior researchers.
Miles Hewstone, a well-known social psychologist who previously advised the UK government, has lost his honorific title of Emeritus Fellow at New College, Oxford, and has resigned as a fellow of the British Academy, the prestigious body that promotes humanities and social sciences.
Details of the Investigation
Bloomberg's investigation, based on accounts from nearly 20 individuals with knowledge of the situation, revealed that Hewstone engaged in inappropriate behavior including touching, bullying, and making unwanted sexual advances toward multiple female students and junior academics working under his supervision.
The social psychologist, who spent 18 years at Oxford before leaving his full-time role in 2019, was subsequently awarded the title of Emeritus Fellow at New College, where he had served as a member of the governing body. This honor has now been revoked following the investigation's findings.
Institutional Responses and Consequences
New College confirmed that Hewstone no longer holds his fellowship position but declined to provide additional comments. In an earlier statement, the college emphasized that while it cannot comment on individual allegations, it "takes allegations of sexual harassment very seriously" and maintains robust procedures to address such matters.
The British Academy responded more proactively, with a spokesperson stating that the institution "treats the issue of misconduct very seriously" and had swiftly opened an investigation into the allegations published by Bloomberg on November 19.
Hewstone himself has remained silent on the matter, failing to respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations and his subsequent resignations. The case highlights ongoing concerns about power dynamics and accountability within academic institutions, particularly involving senior faculty members and their relationships with students and junior colleagues.
