MADISON, Wisc.
Paul Barrows, the beleaguered University of Wisconsin administrator accused in 2003 of sexual harassment, just wants his embarrassing case to end.
After two years of negative headlines invoking race, politics, university spending, and indecent relations, one would think that the university administration would like it to end, too.
But last week there was no end in site.
The University of Wisconsin provost sent Barrows a “letter of council” chastising him for “inappropriate actions against two students.” Barrows, who has long maintained his innocence and been cleared once by a university-appointed committee, is appealing the letter and has already filed a slew of lawsuits against the university.
“I will take this as far as I need to clear my reputation and hold those accountable for what they’ve done to me and to get fairness and justice,” Barrows said.
Provost Patrick Farrell, who sent the letter, was not reachable for comment. Karen Al-Ashkar, who chaired the Appeals committee for the university, said that issuing a “letter of council” fell within the rights of the provost’s office.
