[bioundgrd] lawsuit filed by David Sabatini

[Alan D Grossman]

Dear colleagues,

I'm writing with important information about the lawsuit that David Sabatini has filed. I hope that you will not forward this message. Although it does not name MIT, the lawsuit was filed against the Whitehead Institute and valued members of our community.

Many in the department are impacted by this situation, and many others have questions. However, it is not appropriate for MIT to comment on the lawsuit, and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) has strongly advised against any communications about the lawsuit and investigations. Some of us might be getting more information from the OGC in the next few days.

Regarding MIT’s response to the serious conclusions rendered in the Whitehead report: As I have said previously, MIT is conducting its own process, consistent with MIT policies. Professor Sabatini has been placed on administrative leave while this process is ongoing and both he and others will have an opportunity to meet with relevant MIT leadership. This is a confidential process; our policies prohibit me from sharing more information at this time. I understand the desire of many that MIT move quickly, but we also want this process to be fair and deliberative. For this reason, it is important that we not engage in gossip and speculation. This could be harmful to those involved and can have a detrimental impact on the process. We should also be mindful that there is now a pending lawsuit.

We should be respectful and appreciative of those who took part in the Whitehead investigation. Participating in an investigation takes courage and fortitude, and these individuals deserve our gratitude for going through a difficult process. We must be supportive of all those who may have been affected, including those directly affected by the closing of the Sabatini lab.

Finally, I want to reaffirm that MIT is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for study and research, both at the Institute and its affiliates. MIT has worked hard to strengthen policies and processes to prohibit unacceptable conduct. Among other things, there is now a policy addressing and prohibiting certain consensual relationships at MIT. The Institute has also expanded the staffing and scope of the Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office (IDHR), and continues to provide  resources and support for community members. I hope that each of us feels supported enough to raise any issues through the available channels, including IDHR and department and MIT leadership.

This is a difficult time. But I have confidence that MIT will continue to handle this matter appropriately, sensitively, and in a manner that is fair to all involved. Please contact me if you need support or someone you know needs any assistance.

Respectfully,
Alan


Alan D. Grossman
Professor and Head
Department of Biology
Building 68-530
M.I.T.
Cambridge, MA   02139

adg at mit.edu<mailto:adg at mit.edu>
(617) 253-1515
Zoom: https://mit.zoom.us/my/alandgrossman

Please note: There is no need to respond to my emails outside of traditional work hours.







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