A lawyer who was set to defend Harvey Weinstein in his upcoming rape trial has been dropped as a faculty dean at one of Harvard’s undergraduate residential houses.
Ronald Sullivan Jr., a veteran professor of law at the Ivy League school, will not be returning as faculty dean when his term runs out June 30, according to an emailed letter to students Saturday from Rakesh Khurana, dean of Harvard College. In the letter, Khurana cited student opposition to Sullivan’s defense of the disgraced Hollywood producer.
“Over the last few weeks, students and staff have continued to communicate concerns about the climate in Winthrop House to the college,” Khurana wrote. “The concerns expressed have been serious and numerous. … I have concluded that the situation … is untenable.”
Sullivan’s wife Stephanie Robinson is also being released from her duties as faculty dean at the end of June. The couple were the school’s first African-Americans to hold that position.
Harvard’s decision came a day after Sullivan had already removed himself from Weinstein’s case, according to ABC News.
Khurana had initially stood by Sullivan’s choice to represent Weinstein, saying, “I think a faculty member is given academic freedom to make decisions that are right for them. I also think that every individual is entitled to a vigorous defense. It’s a cornerstone of our justice system.”
As an attorney, Sullivan is known for helping overturn wrongful convictions and has represented controversial defendants in the past — his clients have included former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, who was accused of murder.
Sullivan had defended his position, saying “Lawyers are not an extension of their clients. Lawyers do law work, not the work of ideology. When I’m in my lawyer capacity, representing a client, even one publicly vilified, it doesn’t mean I’m supporting anything the client may have done.”
But Sullivan’s representation of Weinstein — set for a June trial in Manhattan on charges of rape and related offenses – stirred up strong emotions on campus.
Protesters wondered whether he could fulfill his duties as faculty dean while defending Weinstein, given that these responsibilities include “being a protector of students and ensuring they feel comfortable sharing their concerns,” according to USA Today.
Some university buildings had been defaced by graffiti, with one message asking Sullivan, “Whose side are you on?” Others read “Our rage is self-defense” and “Down w Sullivan!”
In February, protesters stood in front of the administration building bearing signs that read, “Remove Sullivan” and “#MeToo.” An online petition demanding Sullivan resign as faculty dean was signed by about 270 people. Members of the Association of Black Harvard Women wrote a public letter to Sullivan, saying, “You have failed us.”
A group of 52 of the law school’s professors signed a letter in Sullivan’s defense, saying, “We view any pressure by Harvard’s administration for [Sullivan] to resign as faculty dean of Winthrop, because of his representation or speaking on behalf of clients, as inconsistent with the university’s commitment to the freedom to defend ideas, however unpopular.”
Over a dozen Winthrop students, staff, and tutors, have reported concerns about the couple in the last three years, as reported by The Harvard Crimson last week, citing “threats” to expel residents considered disloyal, their leadership, and the “revolving door” of house administrators.
Despite the friction, Sullivan and Robinson said in a statement that they were “surprised and dismayed by the action,” given they had been in the midst of talks with “a positive answer.”
“We are sorry that Harvard’s actions and the controversy surrounding us has contributed to the stress on Winthrop students at this already stressful time,” said the statement.
Khurana’s email went on to praise the couple’s “commitment to justice and civic engagement” and “the good work they have done in support of diversity in their House community.” Khurana explained that his “decision in no way lessens my gratitude to them for their contributions to the College.”
Both Sullivan and Robinson can still remain at the law school, where Sullivan teaches law and serves as the director of the Criminal Justice Institute.
