WXYZ — A judge is tossing out part of a lawsuit filed by eight women alleging sexual harassment and assault by a former University of Michigan lecturer.
Judge Thomas Cameron of Michigan Court of Claims has ruled that the plaintiffs did not file timely notices of intent to sue as required by law. The lawsuit names U-M, its board of regents and Bruce Conforth.
Conforth, a once-prominent Rock ‘n’ Roll Professor is accused of acting sexually inappropriate with at least eight women over the course of many years.
Katherine McMahan says she filed a complaint in 2008 when Conforth allegedly cornered her and said he wanted to take her home. McMahan and seven other accusers say the university did not take the steps necessary to stop Conforth from future wrongdoing, allegedly resulting in more victims.
While part of the lawsuit has been dismissed, the portion filed in Washtenaw County Circuit Court against the former professor is moving forward.
We reached out to an attorney for the plaintiffs, Daniel Barnett, Grewal Law PLLC. In a statement to 7 Action News, Barnett replied:
“Yes, we are still pursuing claims against Bruce Conforth and the University in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court. As to the status of the claim still pending against the University in Washtenaw County, we are reviewing the opinion to determine the proper course of action. Grewal Law will never stop fighting for transparency, accountability, and justice for survivors of sexual abuse. It is our hope that our legislators will do the same. Our laws should protect students, not perpetrators of sexual abuse and the institutions that enable them.”
Back in January, U-M Spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald replied to the lawsuit, saying in part:
“Bruce Conforth was a former lecturer in American Culture who’s U-M employment ended in 2017.
Mr. Conforth admitted to allegations of sexual misconduct that were made and a separation agreement outlined his permanent removal from the university, no contact with students and other requirements. The university was prepared to initiate dismissal proceedings had he not first resigned.
Mr. Conforth was covered by a collective bargaining agreement that includes a several-step process before an employee can be dismissed. Any employee may resign before that process is complete. The university, or any employer, does not need to agree for an employee to resign. It is important to note in this situation that Mr. Conforth was not offered anything (compensation, benefits, etc.) in exchange for his resignation.
The university took the necessary actions, outlined in a separation agreement, to permanently remove Mr. Conforth from the university community and restrict him from any further contact with students..."
7 Action News will continue to follow this story for any new developments.
