Departure of Saïd Business School dean leaves ‘serious questions’

The departure of a dean from one of the world’s most prestigious business schools has raised questions about how universities handle allegations of harassment.

Soumitra Dutta, dean of the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, has left his position after three years in charge, the institution has confirmed.

Bloomberg reported that the university upheld three allegations against him by a female academic for breaching its harassment policy, following a five-month investigation.

Dutta, who has been in the role since 2022, went on leave at the end of May for health reasons, which was then extended to the beginning of September. Bloomberg said that there was no indication that his leave, or the appointment of an interim replacement, was linked to the investigation.

An Oxford spokesperson said: “Professor Soumitra Dutta has stepped down as dean of Saïd Business School and has now left the university. Professor Mette Morsing, director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, will take up the role of interim dean from 22 September.”

Anna Bull, cofounder of the 1752 Group, which campaigns against sexual harassment in higher education, said the episode raised “serious questions” over Oxford’s handling of the allegations.

The 1752 Group has been campaigning for universities to sign up to the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, which commits institutions to share information of ongoing or upheld disciplinary cases with potential future employers.

Bull said that Dutta’s departure sent “mixed messages”, including about the sanctions that were applied by universities in sexual harassment cases. She argued that Oxford needed to “undertake a significant programme of work” to protect victims of harassment.

The university did not comment further on the allegations. Bloomberg said its reporting was based on multiple sources who were familiar with the investigation but asked not to be named.

Dutta, formerly dean of the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, did not respond to requests for comment, Bloomberg said.