UK professor resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A University of Kentucky professor resigned earlier this month during an investigation by the school into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student, according to the university.

Dr. Jeffrey Bewley was a professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.  The school says he resigned in early November after being notified of the complaint against him by the university’s Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity.

UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said if another school contacts UK about Bewley, the school will confirm his employment and that he resigned.

“Further, we will say that at the time of his resignation there was an ongoing investigation regarding the potential violation of our policies relative to sexual misconduct. We will also note that Dr. Bewley is ineligible to be rehired by the University. It’s important to note the investigation was suspended because of his resignation. We can’t compel him to testify or provide information at this point. Nor do we have any authority to discipline him at this juncture. It’s also important to note the timeline here: Shortly after he was informed about the complaint – and admitted that he had not told his supervisor about a relationship with a student in violation of university policy – he resigned,” Blanton said.

Blanton added, “We take allegations of this kind very seriously at the University of Kentucky. They are investigated thoroughly. We believe strongly that this must be a community where everyone feels a sense of safety and belonging. Our commitment to investigating allegations of wrongdoing when they happen is a critical part of creating that kind of community. It’s also important that this is a community and a university where the rights of due process are honored – for both the person who brings a complaint and for the person who is accused. We take that commitment very seriously as well.”

There was no settlement with Dr. Bewley, according to the school.  The student who reported Dr. Bewley was not identified under federal privacy laws.