Associate Professor Murray McGibbon has left his position within the Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance, according to an IU announcement.
McGibbon has been accused of sexual harassment toward multiple students during his tenure, according to a detailed report in the Indiana Daily Student earlier this week.
About 100 students rallied outside the university theatre Friday afternoon to speak out against the incidents.
“This should have never happened, and this should have never been dragged out as long as it has been,” Josh Hogan said, who accused McGibbon of sexual harassment in 2018. “Our Title IX process is designed to protect aggressors.”
Hogan, a junior, said he spent all last year pleading with the university to inform them of McGibbon’s behavior.
Cole Winston is also a current student and one of the organizers of Friday’s rally. He said the initial goal was to demand the removal of McGibbon.
“I wanted to make sure that the voices of the people in this department who have been affected can speak up,” Winston said. “Can be here to voice their concerns and make sure that this man does not teach anymore.”
New allegations were brought forward against McGibbon this week. One incident was from a student in 2019 and another was in 2008, according to the Daily Student.
“The Indiana University Office of Institutional Equity received new allegations and began a new investigation, placing the faculty member on administrative leave,” IU spokesperson Chuck Carney said in an email today. “In the wake of these new allegations, the faculty member has decided to leave Indiana University, effective immediately.”
Carney said with McGibbon’s’ departure, the formal investigation is closed but the Office of Institutional Equity will continue to look into and respond to allegations brought to its attention.
“We appreciate our students both current and past bringing forward new information. Indiana University takes very seriously any and all reports of sexual misconduct, including harassment and discrimination, and we continue to respond promptly and appropriately when such misconduct is brought to our attention,” Carney said.
