UC settles harassment case involving student, school therapist

The University of California has reached a settlement in a sexual harassment case involving a student and a former campus therapist.

The student, then a freshman going by the alias Justina Roe, alleged in a lawsuit filed in September that then-post-doctoral fellow Eric Samuels sexually harassed her last school year, asking about her sex life

“Though we are pleased that the matter has been resolved, we are saddened when any student feels that the campus failed them in some way.” — UC Berkeley spokeswoman Janet Gilmore

during therapy sessions at Cal’s Tang Center intended to help her overcome the stress of being away from home and exams.

Samuels, who denied the suit’s claims and maintains a private therapy practice in Oakland and San Francisco, was dismissed from the case and is not part of the settlement.

“These allegations were outlandish and he has been exonerated through this settlement,” said Jamie L. Dupree, a lawyer for Samuels.

Dupree said the settlement, reached earlier this month, is for $250,000. UC declined to confirm the settlement amount, but acknowledged it had reached an agreement.

“The plaintiff dismissed all the sexual harassment related claims (including dismissing Eric Samuels), leaving only the professional negligence claim, which was then resolved as part of the settlement,” said UC Berkeley spokeswoman Janet Gilmore. “Though we are pleased that the matter has been resolved, we are saddened when any student feels that the campus failed them in some way. We are committed to creating and maintaining a campus environment where everyone feels safe and respected.”

Lawyers for Roe did not immediately return a request for comment.

“I am relieved that I am able to put this behind me,” Samuels said in a statement.

UC Berkeley has dealt with a number of sexual harassment cases in recent years, including one involving former law school dean Sujit Choudhry. Choudhry admitted to inappropriately touching his former assistant but was permitted to remain a tenured member of the faculty.

Following a spate of high-profile cases, UC has updated its sexual harassment policies, requiring more training for faculty and students and forming a student advisory board.