MARK Schlissel has been fired as the University of Michigan president for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer.
The decision to terminate Schlissel, who served as president at the school since 2014, came after emails between him and the staffer came to light.
The University of Michigan Board of Regents announced its plans to remove Schlissel today after receiving an anonymous tip about an alleged sexual affair with an employee in December.
In a press release announcing his termination, the board said that Schlissel had been using his university email to communicate with the employee for “years.”
“After an investigation, we learned that Dr. Schlissel, over a period of years, used his University email account to communicate with that subordinate in a manner inconsistent with the dignity and reputation of the University,” the statement says.
The university released transcripts of dozens of emails between Schlissel and the employee.
The former president sent flirtatious messages, ordered food, and discussed travel plans with the employee.
In one email sent in 2019, Schlissel sent a copy of a New Yorker article titled Sexual Fantasies of Everyday New Yorkers.
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Schlissel was removed from his post immediately, and the board said they believe the “abrupt” decision is in the university’s best interest.
Schlissel is married and he and his wife have four children, according to MLive.
The Board of Regents noted that Schlissel’s behavior was “particularly egragious” because he was previously involved in addressing sexual misconduct on the campus.
The university worked to overhaul misconduct policies after former athletes came forward to accuse sports doctor Robert Anderson of sexual abuse and former provost Martin Philbert was fired for sexually harassing university employees.
Former University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman will take over as interim president, according to the board
“…We have full confidence that she will provide the leadership our University community needs during this critical time of transition. The Board will affirm these actions during its Feb. 17 formal session,” the board statement says.
Coleman, who was previously president for 12 years, will serve until at least the summer.
