Professor accused of sexual assault resigns from UWL

In a letter to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students and staff, Chancellor Joe Gow announced Art Professor and former Department Chair Joel Elgin has resigned.

“Rather than respond to a recently-completed investigative report into sexual harassment allegations, Elgin has indicated he is leaving UWL,” Gow said in the letter.

Elgin’s attorney canceled a meeting Tuesday that was meant to give the professor his legally required opportunity to respond to the conclusions in an investigative report over sexual misconduct allegations from a student, according to Gow.

Elgin received a copy of the report Nov. 22, and the declined meeting was intended as a chance to share his version of the story.

Gow stated he will share the investigative report, which was thorough and compelling enough to move the process of dismissing Elgin to the next phase.

“I firmly believe the testimony of the individuals interviewed by the investigators, and I thank them for their courage in coming forward to tell us about their experiences with Professor Elgin,” Gow wrote. “On behalf of our university, I apologize to them for what they have been subject to.”

Gow also recognized Wisconsin Public Records Law gives Elgin the chance to block the release of the report.

It is unclear if he will attempt to do so, though information about the investigation into Elgin’s conduct will be kept in his personnel file and be provided upon request to any institution where he may seek employment in the future.