Petition calls for dismissal of professor accused of sexual assault
Last March, several UCLA students marched to the UCLA history department in Bunche Hall asking for the resignation of professor Piterberg. (Jintak Han/Daily Bruin)
By Roberto Luna Jr.
April 11, 2016 3:09 p.m.
A group of graduate students started a petition that demands the University of California dismiss a UCLA history professor accused of sexually assaulting two students.
Preston McBride, president of the History Graduate Students Association, said graduate students started the petition after UCLA officials allowed history professor Gabriel Piterberg to return to teach on campus.
Two graduate students in history filed a lawsuit against the UC Board of Regents in June for inadequately responding to claims Piterberg had sexually assaulted them.
UCLA reached an agreement with Piterberg and allowed him to return to teaching if he paid the UC Board of Regents $3,000, among other conditions. Piterberg cannot have romantic relationships with students and is only allowed to meet with students during office hours with his door open.
“Many students feel that the university’s actions on these matters have been grossly inadequate and perpetuate the culture of silence around sexual violence, while ultimately protecting predators,” McBride said.
UCLA officials could not be reached for comment.
McBride said the petition will be sent to UC President Janet Napolitano, the regents and the women’s caucus of the state legislature.
