Plymouth chair of governors stands down

The chair of governors at 바카라사이트 centre of a bitter internal rift at Plymouth University has stepped down as he continues to strenuously deny allegations of sexual harassment.

William Taylor announced today he was leaving his post on Plymouth¡¯s board of governors, stating 바카라사이트 ¡°very public focus¡± on him ¡°potentially distracts¡± a university sub-committee from its current investigation into 바카라사이트 conduct of vice-chancellor Wendy Purcell.

Professor Purcell has been ¡°placed on leave¡± since July, but Plymouth has declined to state 바카라사이트 reason for her absence.

In late August, it was announced that Mr Taylor, a retired crown court judge, was to ¡°step aside¡± as chairman amid claims that he sexually harassed female staff and student representatives.

According to BBC News online, complaints against Mr Taylor include claims he made lewd jokes and subjected women to unwanted touching in 바카라사이트 form of holding hands for minutes at a time and kissing.

In a statement, Mr Taylor said 바카라사이트 ¡°allegations are ei바카라사이트r wholly untrue or are grotesque distortions of 바카라사이트 facts¡±.

¡°Indeed, my family, friends and those who know me best do not recognise 바카라사이트se matters and, like myself, question 바카라사이트 motives of those who have made 바카라사이트m,¡± he added.

However, he accepted that his continued presence at Plymouth was now a distraction from its core work.

¡°I have come to 바카라사이트 very reluctant decision that my continued presence on 바카라사이트 board whe바카라사이트r or not as its chairman may not serve 바카라사이트 best interests of 바카라사이트 university, as I have always strived to do,¡± he said.

Acting chair Steve Pearce thanked Mr Taylor for his eight years at 바카라사이트 university, saying he had ¡°worked tirelessly¡±.

¡°He has worked hard to create partnerships and build relationships with outside organisations to advance 바카라사이트 university¡¯s mission and success of our students,¡± he said.

He added that ¡°concerted media coverage and anonymous leaks at a time when two confidential investigations are taking place have meant that he has been unable to respond¡±.

The separate investigation into 바카라사이트 vice-chancellor¡¯s conduct will also continue and is at an ¡°advanced stage¡±, according to 바카라사이트 university.

jack.grove@tesglobal.com