UC Berkeley Says Astronomer Was Appropriately Disciplined

(AP) - The University of California, Berkeley is defending its handling of sexual harassment complaints against a prominent astronomer amid accusations that the professor was inadequately disciplined for inappropriate behavior with students.

The university has not shared details of the six-month investigation of Professor Geoffrey Marcy that concluded in June when he was found to have violated campus sex harassment policies.

But it said Marcy has agreed to clear parameters around his future behavior with the knowledge he would be subject to automatic suspension or dismissal for any violations.

The revelation that Marcy had not been sanctioned more severely has angered some of Marcy's colleagues and former students.

In a statement issued Monday, the university said its agreement with Marcy was a more effective deterrent than the lengthy and uncertain outcome of referring the case to a faculty disciplinary committee.