UCLA is pleased with the unanimous jury verdict in the Krell v. UCLA case. The jurors found no basis for Dr. Heather Krell's sexual harassment claim against Dr. Andrew Leuchter and agreed that the university's actions in responding to her accusations were immediate, thorough, appropriate and lawful.

 

Throughout the trial, UCLA demonstrated that it takes very seriously its responsibility to protect all its employees and to provide a safe and caring workplace environment. Its commitment is reflected in the university's numerous training programs and in policies that encompass both the legal and best-practices methods of dealing with workplace issues.

 

Dr. Krell's claim was handled the same as any other: Once the university learned of her allegations, it followed its policies and immediately asked an experienced investigator to conduct a thorough investigation. Like the jury in this case, the investigator concluded that Dr. Krell's charges against Dr. Leuchter were without merit.

 

It is unfortunate that UCLA and Dr. Leuchter had to go to a courtroom to answer such baseless accusations, but we are grateful to the jury for concluding that no evidence submitted during the trial supported the accusations of sexual harassment by Dr. Leuchter or that UCLA acted irresponsibly.

 

UCLA was represented by Linda Savitt and Linda Hurevitz of the law firm Ballard Rosenberg Golper and Savitt.