USC seeks to rebuild trust, as its president resigns amid campus sex scandal

The trustees’ chairman said ‘systemic and cultural failures’ led to the crisis, which involved a former staff gynecologist.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

The University of Southern California is looking to rebuild its reputation—and the first steps include its president’s resignation.

On Tuesday, its Board of Trustees said C.L. Max Nikias’ resignation was effective immediately. The move comes months after Nikias announced that he would resign in the wake of a crisis involving a former campus gynecologist.

CNN reported:

More than two months ago, Nikias had agreed to step down following a scandal involving Dr. George Tyndall, a former campus gynecologist accused of sexual misconduct and using racist language while examining patients.

That announcement came after thousands of students and alumni signed an online petition demanding his resignation, alleging that USC failed to act after complaints of misconduct involving Tyndall, who worked at a university clinic for decades.

Several women have filed lawsuits against Tyndall and USC.

The school appointed Wanda Austin to be the school’s interim president.

On Monday, USC tweeted:

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.