Montana State Scientist Sues University, Graduate Students
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A Montana State University plant scientist is suing the university and four graduate students, accusing them of leaking a confidential investigation report to the news media.
Hikmet Budak alleges the report's disclosure hurt his reputation and cost him a new job at another university.
Montana State spokesman Michael Becker told the Bozeman Chronicle on Thursday the university does not comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit names the four female defendants but the Chronicle isn't disclosing their identities. The four women previously accused Budak of harassing them in a variety of ways and touching them in ways that made them uncomfortable.
The university investigation concluded Budak created "a hostile environment that was rampant with harassment." Budak denies all of the allegations.
Another graduate student is siding with Budak in his lawsuit.
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Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle