Cambridge college head quits over handling of sex complaints

The head of a University of Cambridge college has resigned after an independent inquiry recommended that he face disciplinary action over his handling of a sexual misconduct complaint against someone at the college.

Trinity Hall said it had “accepted the resignation of the master, Revd Canon Dr Jeremy Morris”, although it added that he disputed the inquiry’s recommendation.

The action followed allegations “made in an online news site in early 2020” related to claims of sexual misconduct at the college, which led to Trinity Hall commissioning the inquiry into its handling of the complaints.

In a statement, Trinity Hall said the inquiry’s report “recommends that the college consider initiating disciplinary action against the master in relation to his handling of one allegation made against a third party.

“The governing body has determined that there is a prima facie case for disciplinary action.

“The master disputes this recommendation, noting in particular the inquiry’s recognition that a number of contributors had praised his personal support for those who have raised issues of sexual abuse in specific situations.

“However, he considers that it is in the best interests of the college for him to offer his resignation, given the difficulties of the last 18 months, to enable the search for a new master to begin.”

The statement thanked Dr Morris – who stepped back from the role last year while the college looked into allegations raised in an article on the Tortoise Media website in February 2020 – for his “seven years of service to the college as its master and for his nine years as dean of chapel, and wishes him well for the future”.

simon.baker@timeshighereducation.com