October 2, 2019
UW statement on investigation into the conduct of professor John Sahr
“The University of Washington was made aware in February 2019 of alleged sexual misconduct on the part of John Sahr, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and former interim director of the Robinson Center for Young Scholars. Sahr was immediately placed on home assignment and prohibited from engaging with students or coming to campus while an investigation took place through the University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office (UCIRO), pursuant to Faculty Code 25-71. The investigation has found inappropriate conduct with two students, including a 17-year-old undergraduate who was a Robinson Center student when Sahr was interim director from 2008 to 2010. Sahr’s conduct violated Executive Order 31 (the UW’s policy regarding sexual misconduct and other forms of harassment) and the UW’s conflict of interest policies.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations and the investigation’s findings, Sahr remains prohibited from coming to campus and engaging with students indefinitely. UCIRO will prepare a written report for the Provost, who has the authority to initiate adjudication proceedings for tenure removal and termination.
“The safety of our community is the UW’s highest priority and this type of conduct cannot be tolerated. While we have no evidence that leads us to believe there are additional students, faculty or staff who were impacted by Sahr’s actions, resources are being provided to departments and students in which Sahr was most directly involved to provide them with needed support and avenues to safely report anything that has not already been made known.” – Victor Balta, UW spokesperson
The University of Washington is committed to preventing sexual assault, misconduct and harassment. Resources – including ways to get support and information on how to report sexual assault to law enforcement and/or the University – are available at uw.edu/sexualassault.
