Scientists Ask MIT to Reconsider Sabatini’s Tenure
A group of 50 scientists from 33 institutions and nine countries has asked MIT to reconsider its decision to end biologist David Sabatini’s tenure. Three of the signatories work at MIT. Their letter was sent to university president Sally Kornbluth, board chair Mark Gorenberg and other board members on November 4.
The scientists said evidence presented at trial may not have been available when MIT made its original decision. They argued that the university should conduct a fair review in light of the jury’s unanimous verdict. Northwestern professor Navdeep Chandel, who signed the letter, said institutions should revisit conclusions when new evidence emerges.
In October, after a three-week trial in Boston, a jury found Kristin Knouse liable for defamation and tortious interference and ordered her to pay Sabatini $6 million. Knouse, a former colleague at the Whitehead Institute, remains a biology professor at MIT. Some students in her lab said they received hostile emails from members of the public after the verdict.
MIT’s internal review followed allegations raised in 2021, including concerns from two other employees about Sabatini’s conduct and lab culture. The university committee recommended revoking his tenure, citing a finding that he had violated MIT’s policy on romantic relationships. Sabatini resigned within a year.
The verdict has renewed debate on campus. Some people argue the judgment could discourage sexual-harassment complaints, while the scientists who signed the letter say MIT should reconsider its handling of Sabatini’s departure. MIT had not responded to a request for comment.
MIT Must Weigh Harassment Concerns Alongside Sabatini Verdict
A $6 million defamation judgment has intensified pressure on MIT to reconsider David Sabatini’s departure, while raising a serious concern for people who report sexual harassment: whether a large financial penalty will make others less willing to speak up.
On November 4, 50 scientists from 33 institutions and nine countries asked MIT to review its decision to end Sabatini’s tenure. Their letter cited evidence presented at trial and the jury’s unanimous verdict. Three signatories are MIT scientists, and Northwestern professor Navdeep Chandel said institutions should be open to reassessing decisions when new evidence emerges.
The October jury found former Whitehead Institute colleague Kristin Knouse liable for defamation and tortious interference, ordering her to pay Sabatini $6 million. Knouse remains an MIT biology professor. Students in her lab said they received antagonistic emails from members of the public after the verdict.
The verdict does not erase the context of MIT’s earlier action. In 2021, Knouse’s allegations emerged alongside concerns from two other employees about Sabatini’s behavior and lab culture. An MIT committee recommended revoking his tenure, finding that he had violated the university’s policy on romantic relationships. Sabatini resigned within a year.
Some on campus say the judgment could discourage sexual-harassment claims. MIT now faces calls to revisit its decision, but a renewed review must account for the earlier concerns as well as the evidence raised in court. The university had not responded to a request for comment.
Jury Verdict Puts MIT’s Treatment of Sabatini Under Scrutiny
A unanimous jury verdict has put MIT’s handling of David Sabatini under fresh scrutiny. Fifty scientists are now asking the university to revisit its decision to end the tenure of a prominent biologist, arguing that the trial brought forward evidence that deserves a fair review.
The scientists, from 33 institutions across nine countries, sent their appeal to MIT leaders on November 4. Three signatories are from MIT. Northwestern professor Navdeep Chandel said institutions should be willing to reconsider their conclusions when new evidence comes to light.
The request follows an October civil trial in Boston. Jurors found Kristin Knouse, Sabatini’s former Whitehead Institute colleague, liable for defamation and tortious interference, and ordered her to pay $6 million. The verdict is reverberating across the Cambridge campus and the scientific community. Knouse continues to teach biology at MIT, where students in her lab said they received hostile emails after the decision.
MIT’s earlier action followed allegations in 2021 and concerns raised by two other employees about Sabatini’s behavior and lab culture. An internal committee recommended revoking his tenure, citing a violation of the university’s policy on romantic relationships. Sabatini resigned within a year.
Some people warn that the verdict could discourage harassment complaints. But the scientists pressing MIT say the university should not treat its earlier decision as beyond reconsideration, particularly after a jury’s findings. MIT had not responded to a request for comment.
Reported by The Boston Globe, STAT.
