USC professors accused of sexual harassment are no longer employed, university confirms
Two University of South Carolina professors accused in lawsuits and school documents of sexual harassment are no longer with the university.
David Voros, a painting professor, retired on Jan. 16, 2023, USC spokesman Jeff Stensland confirmed.
Voros was accused in lawsuits filed by a student and two coworkers of sexual harassment.
One lawsuit, filed in 2018 by former student Allison Duvanant, was settled for $75,000. The suit had alleged that Voros subjected Duvanant to sexual advances during a study abroad trip in Italy. The other two lawsuits, which allege unwanted sexual advances, are pending.
Voros had not taught on campus since 2020. After a year-long sabbatical, he was set to teach several online courses in 2022 spring semester before the university reversed that decision following sizable backlash.
Voros’ lawyers could not be reached for comment.
Robert Richmond, a theater professor who also faced multiple sexual harassment and sexual misconduct allegations, is resigning effective July 1, 2023, Stensland said.
Richmond told The Post and Courier that he is leaving USC for professional reasons to work in directing in New York City.
Richmond admitted to sending texts to a student asking her to sleep with him, which he called “witty banter” between friends, records showed. He was also accused of asking female students to perform a “lap dance” to audition for a school play. One student alleged a sexual encounter with Richmond, which he denied. Another reported being served alcohol until she was too drunk to drive home.
USC investigated complaints against Richmond in 2019, but determined he hadn’t violated university policy. However, following allegations published in The State, he was barred from teaching classes at USC in 2021.
This story was originally published April 10, 2023 at 3:47 PM.
