University of Michigan Fires President Over Inappropriate Emails to Subordinate
Mark Schlissel’s behavior was ‘inconsistent with the dignity and reputation of the university,’ regents say
Mark Schlissel was fired by the University of Michigan after an investigation by the board of regents.
By Melissa Korn Wall Street JournalJan. 16, 2022 12:04 pm ET
University of Michigan fired Mark Schlissel as president Saturday, following an investigation by the board of regents into his relationship with another university employee.
Over a period of years, the regents said in a letter made public, Dr. Schlissel used his university email account “to communicate with that subordinate in a manner inconsistent with the dignity and reputation of the University.” Dr. Schlissel was removed for cause, according to the letter.
The regents began their investigation in December, after receiving an anonymous tip that Dr. Schlissel may have had an “inappropriate relationship” with an employee.
The board also posted online dozens of emails and text message exchanges Dr. Schlissel had with the employee, whose name was redacted. The board said the letters indicated he was using official University of Michigan business “as a means to pursue and carry out a personal relationship with the subordinate."
The messages include discussions about coordinating travel, his hope to see the employee at and after official university events, and a stated wish that flight delays would leave them in Paris together. The regents also posted messages with sexual innuendos and even receipts for takeout orders from local pizza and Indian restaurants.
In September 2019, for instance, he shared a New Yorker article titled “Sexual Fantasies of Everyday New Yorkers.” In April 2020, after the subordinate emailed “Oh yes!!” confirming interest in a special-order face mask, Dr. Schlissel responded, “i like it when you say that.” A May 2020 email he forwarded from a hotel chain came with the remark, “nice memories.” In July 2021, the other individual wrote, “My heart hurts.” Dr. Schlissel responded that his did as well, but “since this is my fault and although I am in pain as well, it’s not the same at all. I still wish I were strong enough to find a way.”
Dr. Schlissel, an immunologist by training, had been president at the sprawling state flagship since 2014. He previously announced plans to step down at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Mary Sue Coleman, who served as president from 2002 until 2014, was named interim leader, effective immediately. Dr. Schlissel couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Dr. Schlissel’s departure comes less than a year after he fired his provost, Martin Philbert, following misconduct allegations from more than 20 women. The board cited Dr. Schlissel’s comments surrounding that scandal in its letter informing him of the firing, saying his behavior was particularly egregious in light of statements that he would rid the school of sexual harassment and other improper conduct.
