After backlash, professor sued thrice for sex harassment will not teach online class

A University of South Carolina professor sued three times for alleged sexual harassment will no longer teach online classes in spring semester 2022.

David Voros, a painting professor against whom two lawsuits are still pending, was originally scheduled to teach three online classes in the upcoming semester. Following campus backlash, USC reversed its decision, according to a Tuesday email from USC College of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Joel Samuels that was sent to students and employees.

“In the best interest of the entire campus community, I am writing today to let you know that, with the approval of the Provost, Professor David Voros and Professor Robert Bourne will not be assigned any teaching responsibilities in the upcoming spring semester and will remain barred from campus unless specifically authorized by Provost Cutler or me,” the email said.

Robert Bourne, known professionally as Robert Richmond, is a theater professor who has also faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment originally publicized by The State earlier this year.

Following The State’s article, then-President Robert Caslen announced sweeping changes to how it handles allegations of sexual harassment including establishing an independent Title IX coordinator, creating a committee to review all formal allegations of sexual misconduct and creating an office of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Interpersonal Violence that reports to USC’s president.

“As a campus, we must reckon not only with the particular cases that are in the public eye but more broadly with the conditions that have allowed inappropriate behavior to take place and have failed to ensure full accountability,” Samuels said in the email. “As an institution, we must provide due process. It is also vital to create an environment where our community members can learn and work safely. The University must develop a process that you can trust.”

The story was first reported by The Daily Gamecock, USC’s student newspaper.

This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 6:56 PM.