Arizona State University professor Lawrence Krauss, a world-renowned theoretical physicist and outspoken atheist, has been placed on paid leave amid allegations of sexual misconduct first published in a BuzzFeed News article.
ASU officials released a statement saying Krauss has been put on paid leave "in an effort to avoid further disruption to the normal course of business." The university also said he was not allowed on campus as officials continue to gather facts surrounding the allegations.
Krauss's most visible project may be his work on the Doomsday Clock.
In a previous statement, the university said it had launched a review into the allegations. According to ASU, the review began before the BuzzFeed article was published. The university said the review was initiated after it was contacted by BuzzFeed concerning the allegations.
The BuzzFeed article alleges a pattern of sexual misconduct by Krauss spanning more than a decade. Krauss has denied the allegations.
In a previous statement, the university said it had not yet received complaints from ASU students, faculty or staff concerning Krauss' alleged inappropriate behavior.
ASU said no further details would be released until the review was complete before encouraging anyone with concerning about their interactions with faculty, staff or students to report them.
The university's full statement:
"Arizona State University is continuing its review of allegations of inappropriate behavior by Professor Lawrence Krauss. The review began before the February 22, 2018, article published by Buzzfeed and was initiated after Buzzfeed contacted the university about several of those allegations.
In an effort to avoid further disruption to the normal course of business as the university continues to gather facts about the allegations, Krauss has been placed on paid leave and is prohibited from being on campus for the duration of the review.
No further details about the review will be released until the review process is complete.
The university encourages anyone in our community who has concerns about interactions with faculty, staff or students to report those concerns. The university provides multiple reporting options, including through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Office of Equity and Inclusion or by calling the ASU Hotline."