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Prof. Sir Tim Hunt, a scientist at the University College London, a noble prize winning scientist made statements that female scientists fall in love with their male counterparts and cry on occasions.
Following the statements from the professor, the university authorities said that his resignation was a proper thing to do.
President of the UCL, Prof. Michael Arthur said that he identifies with the personality difficulty Sir Tim is passing through following his ordeal and the backlash following his remarks, but he would not be reinstated to continue with his honorary job at the university any longer.
Prof. Arthur said Tim’s statement struck a discordant note with professional lab scientists, and those statements are not in line with the university’s ideal of celebrating women in labs and making science a welcome experience for men.
Prof. Arthur further said that Tim’s offer of resignation is his personal choice, and that was the most honorable thing to do in the circumstance. There are several voices which want to reinstate Tim, some others advised him against it because it would send the wrong message.
The UCL president said, “Our view is that reversing that decision would send entirely the wrong signal and I have reason to believe that Sir Tim would also not want that to happen.”
According to Prof. Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist, those criticizing Sir Tim are only witch-hunting him, and they do far worse.
Prof Arthur said that a distinguished professor on an honorary appointment with a university is supposed to bring honor to the university system and to himself, Sir Tim had expressed regrets over his remarks, but his apology does not detract from his reputation in any way.
Arthur added, “They do contradict the basic values of UCL – even if meant to be taken lightly – and because of that I believe we were right to accept his resignation,” and university remains committed to upholding gender equality and support women in science.
