BuzzFeed News is touching off a storm of local coverage about University of Washington professor Michael Katze, who is accused in university investigations of misusing funds and violating university sexual harassment policies. According to investigators, Katze’s employees said he used racist and sexist slurs and seemed ready to retaliate against employees. Until it was closed in April, Katze ran a UW lab studying viruses such as Ebola. According to statements provided by the university to reporters, Katze is going through a faculty disciplinary process that could result in his removal but is still being paid a salary. The Times reports that he sued the university for, in the paper's summation, "damaging his name, honor and integrity."
All of the reports have accusations that, if true, are deeply disturbing — in regard to, for instance, the level of explicit sexual harassment and the depth of concern about retaliation — and will raise wider questions about how well universities control big-name scientists who are bringing in large amounts of grant funding.
“‘He thinks he’s untouchable," BuzzFeed.
"Famed UW professor hired employee to 'submit to his sexual demands,' BuzzFeed investigation finds," The Stranger.
"Sex harassment, porn, personal use of money among litany of complaints against UW prof," Seattle Times.
