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Henri Grissino-Mayer, a professor of geography who resigned from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville last year, violated the institution’s sexual harassment polices multiple times over many years, according to an internal report obtained by Knox News. Chancellor Donde Plowman wants an external review of relevant policies and procedures, among other changes. Grissino-Mayer engaged in “frequent and repeated instances of touching, comments, statements, jokes, stories, descriptions and references to topics of a sexual nature that do not relate to the courses, labs or other academic activity,” the report says. Investigators talked to 11 accusers. Students said that there was "sexual tension" as Grissino-Mayer chose favorites to single out. He also allegedly "licked a female student's face from chin to forehead" and wrestled with a female student while wearing underwear, WVLT reported.
Grissino-Mayer denied the allegations and told investigators that he felt like he was being singled out for his “power and prestige” in the field of dendrochronology, or studying tree rings. The report also says Grissino-Mayer said he didn’t “rape, assault” anyone, even if he said a few “awkward things.” He was previously investigated in 2006 and admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student that violated university policy. There was another investigation in starting in 2010, related to "continued misconduct," Knox News reported.
