Married Oxford history professor, 61, is banned from teaching over sexual harassment claims

Following allegations of sexual harassment, an Oxford University history professor was expelled from teaching.

Peter Thompson, 61, who is a fellow of St Cross College and the Sydney L Mayer associate professor of American history, has been accused by former student, Kaelyn Apple, 26, of sexual harassment after telling her he wanted to ‘tie her to a chair’.

After being investigated internally by the university, Thompson agreed to no longer attend events or have contact with students.

Apple, an American postgraduate, is currently studying at Yale. She claimed that she felt uncomfortable and unsafe around Thompson at times.

Dr Peter Thompson, 61, (Pictured) who is a fellow of St Cross College and the Sydney L Mayer associate professor of American history, has agreed not to have any contact with students this year following allegations of sexual harassment

Former student, Kaelyn Apple, 26, (Pictured) said that she learnt to keep her distance from Thompson and it ‘broke her heart’ because it tainted her university experience

Thompson, who has been at the university for almost 30 years, allegedly made a sexual remark to Apple whilst he was at the pub with students during a meeting in 2019, according to The Sunday Times.

Apple claimed that he said: “Kaelyn. Is there anything we can do for you here for a D Phil?” [Doctor of Philosophy]. Perhaps I should tie yourself to a chair in Weston library’s Weston library? 

She said, “I didn’t want to be in his company after that.” I felt unsafe and uncomfortable around Dr Thompson at times and would not recommend him to anyone else.   

On the Al-Jazeera podcast, she said that Thompson was her former student and that she had to learn to keep her distance. She also stated that the incident ‘broke her heart’ as it affected her university experience.

She said, “That broke my heart because it was something that I really valued my education and my experiences as well as my networking opportunities.”  

Mia Liyanage, also a podcast host, shared an ‘intense experience Apple had with Thompson, which led to him asking her out for a drink.

She said, “In one of the classes he leant over him to read what was on her computer screen, and she quickly shoved her computer away so he wouldn’t be so close to me.” That was an intense moment.

“He sent her an email, asking her to meet him in his college office. After that, he suggested they go to a pub just down the street for a drink. 

“She placed her bag between the seats, and when he returned with his pint of beer, he moved the bag closer to her and sat down.   

Students are calling for the dismissal of the professor after more students voiced their disapproval at his behavior. 

Last week, an email was sent to all students and staff by the history faculty admitting that an investigation was being carried out into Thompson, and ‘follow-on disciplinary action was instigated’.

It upheld an allegation that Thompson had committed sexual harassment and found that Thompson had drank during work hours.

Professor Rob Iliffe, the faculty chairman, stated that Thompson has since agreed not to have contact with students or attend events at the history department.

Apple (Pictured), stated that Thompson commented: ‘Kaelyn. Are there any things we can do to keep your here for a D Phil? [Doctor of Philosophy]. Perhaps I should tie yourself to a chair in Weston library’s Weston library?

In response to the allegations, Thompson said yesterday that the comment made to Apple about ‘tying you to a chair’ was a joking comment’ that ‘badly misfired.

He said: “The account of the conversation at the King’s Arms regarding supervision doesn’t match my recollection, but it pretty accurately reflects what was submitted for inquiry. You are reporting what the university’s disciplinary hearings saw, and ruled on. 

Andrea Thompson, 62-year-old wife of Oxford professor, responded to the allegations by stating that ‘he isn’t a sexual predator’. 

Oxford spokesmen said: “While we are unable comment on individual cases because of confidentiality, the University of Oxford is committed to investigating all allegations of misconduct or sexual harassment by staff members. 

“The University is against harassment and will promote a positive environment for students and staff where they are treated fairly and with respect.  

“We are listening to and responding to the concerns and queries that our students have raised in recent days about sexual harassment complaints. 

“Over the next few days, we will be meeting students in the faculties where concerns were raised to discuss these issues more fully and explore areas where improvements could be made to ensure Oxford is a place where all students feel safe and respected. 

“The safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff remains Oxford’s top priority.”