The investigation into the sexual harassment claims against Aubrey de Grey have been concluded. (Link in comments.)
Few new facts were revealed. The investigators concluded that the sexual harassment claims were largely true, but that the claim that Aubrey cut off one of the accuser's PhD funding when he was rebuffed were not true.
IMO, judging from the tone of the report, Aubrey was doomed as soon as the investigation was launched. However, Aubrey also hurt his case severely by continuing to speak publicly while the investigation was ongoing.
Lessons:
1. Avoid sexual relationships with anyone in your field.
2. Don't pursue sexual relationships with anyone substantially younger than yourself, especially if they're near the age of consent.
3. Don't make any sexual jokes with anyone in your field (especially subordinates, or anyone you could financially harm) , even at parties or informal social events.
4. Keep a diary of all meetings (time, date, attendees, topics of discussion).
5. Avoid being alone in the same room with subordinates or co-workers, especially those of the opposite gender.
6. If you're old, fat, or unattractive recognize that there is a double standard. You cannot take the same risks an attractive person can take. This goes double for men.
7. Never put anything in writing you wouldn't feel comfortable printed above the fold in the New York Times.
8. In a legal proceeding, everything you've said or done will be interpreted in the worst possible light. Good deeds (i.e. mentorship, connections, funding) will be heavily discounted; mistakes will be amplified.
9. Have a written protocol for important career transitions (hiring/firing, promotion/demotion) decisions. Use blinded, objective tests of skill as much as possible. Stick to the protocol.
10. STFU! Don't say anything to anyone about an active case unless advised to do so by your attorney.
Few new facts were revealed. The investigators concluded that the sexual harassment claims were largely true, but that the claim that Aubrey cut off one of the accuser's PhD funding when he was rebuffed were not true.
IMO, judging from the tone of the report, Aubrey was doomed as soon as the investigation was launched. However, Aubrey also hurt his case severely by continuing to speak publicly while the investigation was ongoing.
Lessons:
1. Avoid sexual relationships with anyone in your field.
2. Don't pursue sexual relationships with anyone substantially younger than yourself, especially if they're near the age of consent.
3. Don't make any sexual jokes with anyone in your field (especially subordinates, or anyone you could financially harm) , even at parties or informal social events.
4. Keep a diary of all meetings (time, date, attendees, topics of discussion).
5. Avoid being alone in the same room with subordinates or co-workers, especially those of the opposite gender.
6. If you're old, fat, or unattractive recognize that there is a double standard. You cannot take the same risks an attractive person can take. This goes double for men.
7. Never put anything in writing you wouldn't feel comfortable printed above the fold in the New York Times.
8. In a legal proceeding, everything you've said or done will be interpreted in the worst possible light. Good deeds (i.e. mentorship, connections, funding) will be heavily discounted; mistakes will be amplified.
9. Have a written protocol for important career transitions (hiring/firing, promotion/demotion) decisions. Use blinded, objective tests of skill as much as possible. Stick to the protocol.
10. STFU! Don't say anything to anyone about an active case unless advised to do so by your attorney.