Dr. Rohit Varma, a prominent ophthalmologist and former dean of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC), has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple female colleagues. In 2017, a female researcher filed a lawsuit against Dr. Varma and USC, alleging that he sexually harassed and assaulted her during a work trip. She claimed that he forcibly kissed and groped her, and later retaliated against her when she reported the incident to USC's Title IX office. Following an investigation, USC found that Dr. Varma had violated the school's sexual harassment policy and terminated his employment as dean. However, he was allowed to remain on faculty as a tenured professor, which sparked widespread outrage and protests from students and faculty members. In 2018, additional accusations against Dr. Varma were brought to light by the Los Angeles Times, which published a series of articles detailing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct by him. Several women who worked with him at USC and other institutions accused him of making unwanted sexual advances, lewd comments, and inappropriately touching them. In response to the allegations, USC launched a new investigation and announced that Dr. Varma would be stepping down from his tenured position. The university also implemented a series of reforms to improve its handling of sexual misconduct cases, including the creation of a new Office of Professionalism and Ethics. Dr. Varma has denied the allegations against him and has not faced criminal charges. However, his reputation has been severely damaged, and he has been banned from practicing medicine in the state of California by the Medical Board of California. The case has sparked a broader conversation about sexual harassment and assault in academic settings and the need for institutions to take these issues more seriously. It also highlights the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions, even if they are highly respected in their fields. Furthermore, other victims are highly encouraged to speak out no matter who the oppressor. Unwanted sexual conduct is never acceptable nor is the victim ever at fault. Works Cited P. (2017, October 8). USC Medical School Dean Rohit Varma Quits Over Sexual Harassment Case. Little India: Overseas Indian, NRI, Asian Indian, Indian American. https://littleindia.com/usc-medical-school-dean-rohit-varma-quits-sexual-harassment-case/ Parvini, S., Ryan, H., & Pringle, P. (2017, October 6). USC medical school dean out amid revelations of sexual harassment claim, $135,000 settlement with researcher - Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-usc-dean-harassment20171005-story.html Fox News. (2017, October 6). USC med school dean out over revelation of sexual harassment settlement. https://www.foxnews.com/us/usc-med-school-dean-out-over-revelation-of-sexualharassment-settlement From News Dispatches. (2017, October 7). Med School Dean Quits Over Sexual- harassment Case. IndiaAbroad.com. https://www.indiaabroad.com/med-school-dean-quits-over-sexualharassment-case/article_854a8504-ad2d-5e11-993f-a4bef627fc8b.html Spellings, S. (2017, October 6). USC Medical School Dean Resigns After $135,000 SexualHarassment Settlement. The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/2017/10/usc-med-schooldean-resigns-over-sexual-harassment-scandal.html
