‘Sexual stalking’ professor quits job

The AUT pro vice-chancellor accused of sexual stalking and harassment has resigned as dean of the department he heads at the university, but will stay on as a professor.

Professor Max Abbott CNZM stepped down as dean of the School of Health and Environmental Sciences on Friday, a week after a Stuff investigation revealed he was accused of prolonged and systemic sexual stalking and harassment of an overseas colleague.

Australian National University (ANU) scholar Dr Marisa Paterson, who is also candidate for Labor in October’s Australian state elections, filed a complaint to AUT in August last year, claiming Abbott threatened her career after she cut contact with him following two-and-a-half years of the pair exchanging texts – many of them sexually explicit.

AUT and ANU have been at loggerheads for months over AUT’s refusal to formally investigate Professor Abbott’s behaviour towards Dr Paterson. In March, ANU vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt asked New Zealand High Commissioner Dame Annette King to intervene and break the deadlock.

AUT confirmed his resignation yesterday, saying he stepped down ‘‘as he believes continuing in the role had become untenable and not in the best interest of the university’’.

‘‘He will continue as a professor of the university,’’ a spokesperson said.

AUT insisted a formal investigation of the complaint was carried out, reviewed externally at the time, and considered appropriate.

Abbott has previously said he was surprised and shocked by Paterson’s complaint, but had since apologised. He did not respond to questions from Stuff.