Former Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor David Sabatini attempted to influence a legal investigation into complaints of gender bias and sexual harassment at his lab, according to what appears to be a copy of the investigation report, leaked online Wednesday. The report further found his denials were not credible. Portions of the report had been leaked earlier.
A spokesperson for MIT’s Whitehead Institute, which commissioned the investigation by a law firm, declined to comment on the leaked document.
Sabatini was a researcher at the Whitehead Institute until he was placed on leave in August 2021 after complaints surfaced about conduct in his laboratory. In particular, complainants alleged he fostered an environment that rewarded those who engaged in sexualized and offensive behavior, and used his power to discourage questions, including concerns around scientific rigor. In addition, the investigators’ report stated that he had a relationship with a fellow while serving as director of the Whitehead Fellows Program in July 2018, according to the investigation report.
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