Guo Ping Wang, a senior lecturer at the Jacobs School of Music, has been fired after an investigation into a report he sexually assaulted an IU student on campus, IU announced in a press release Monday.
The assault was reported March 28, at which time Wang was placed on leave until further investigation.
IU’s initial investigation included discussions with the accuser and others before the University decided to report the incident to the IU Police Department, according to the release.
IU first reported the incident to IUPD last Wednesday, May 4, IU spokesperson Mark Land said. The university wanted to conduct its own investigation first in order to protect the victim and decide whether the incident was a violation of school policy for its employees.
“Part of our philosophy is that while we want to see cases resolved ... we also are very aware that these are emotional situations for the victims,” Land said.
IU wants to make sure the student is not making a report he or she is uncomfortable with. Land said they want to first determine if there is enough evidence to involve legal authorities.
Wang was notified of the termination late last Friday and has 10 days from that point to appeal the decision.
IUPD has opened an investigation into the reported assault.
“Sexual assault has no place on our campus, or any campus, and any act of violence on the part of an employee against a student is especially egregious,” IU Provost Lauren Robel said in the release.
“The university intends to work with authorities to vigorously pursue this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
Wang had been a senior lecturer of ballet at IU since 2014. He began as a visiting lecturer in 2003 before becoming a full-time lecturer in 2007.
Wang studied ballet at the Shanghai Dance School and in the graduate program at the Jacobs School, according to his biography on IU’s website, which has been taken down since his termination. Before joining Ballet Chicago in 1993, Wang also danced with the Shanghai Ballet Company for 11 years.
Wang was honored with a Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Dance Achievement by the Chicago Dance Community.
Jacobs School of Music Dean Gwyn Richards notified students, faculty and staff of the incident and firing Monday.
“This occurrence runs counter to our values,” Richards said in the release. “We will continue to do everything we can to make sure that our students have the ideal environment in which to pursue their artistic and academic goals.”
Grace Palmieri
