Juilliard Fires Robert Beaser Following Investigation

By Francisco Salazar

The Juilliard School in New York has fired Robert Beaser, chair of its composition department following an independent investigation that found Beaser had “engaged in conduct which interfered with individuals’ academic work and was inconsistent with Juilliard’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for its students.”

Additionally, the investigation found that he had an “unreported relationship” that violated school policy.

According to CNN, the school said, “that in December 2022, the school undertook ‘a comprehensive review of … alleged sexual misconduct in the Composition Department from the late 1990s and early 2000s.'”

According to a memo provided to CNN, there were no specific findings related to sexual misconduct

The case against Beaser was first brought up last December in a VAN magazine report on predatory sexual activities at Juilliard and he was suspended from teaching after the report appeared.

The independent investigation also found that composer Christopher Rouse had also engaged in sexual misconduct but the case could not be pursued following Rouse’s death in 2019.

Beaser has denied all allegations and his attorney said, “that Dr. Beaser denies sexually harassing anybody and that the Juilliard announcement did not indicate any evidence – credible or otherwise – of sexual harassment.”

Juilliard said that following the investigation it will prohibit all amorous or sexual relationships between faculty and students starting in the fall.

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