New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating Columbia University’s handling of allegations against former OB-GYN Robert Hadden, who was convicted of sexually abusing patients. The inquiry, launched earlier this month, centers on whether the university knowingly allowed a predator to continue practicing medicine for decades despite repeated warnings. This investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of how institutions address misconduct allegations and protect vulnerable individuals and follows revelations of Columbia’s ties to individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
The Attorney General’s office confirmed the investigation in a statement to ProPublica, stating it is conducting a “thorough investigation into the institutional response to Robert Hadden’s misconduct.” While details remain limited, the probe signals a significant escalation in the fallout from years of accusations against Hadden and the university’s alleged failure to adequately respond. The case highlights the complex challenges universities face in balancing patient safety, legal obligations, and institutional reputation.
Robert Hadden, a longtime OB-GYN at Columbia, was convicted in early 2023 on federal charges of sexually abusing patients. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence. However, allegations of his misconduct date back much further, with reports surfacing as early as 2012. A ProPublica investigation in the fall of 2023 revealed that Columbia allowed Hadden to continue seeing patients just days after a patient called 911 to report a sexual assault. This revelation sparked outrage and fueled calls for greater accountability.
Columbia’s Response and Mounting Criticism
In the wake of the ProPublica report, Columbia University pledged to implement reforms, including a $100 million fund for victims and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hadden’s continued employment. The university also committed to improved patient safety protocols. However, advocates, students, and survivors argue that these measures are insufficient and that deeper systemic changes are needed. Four hundred Columbia medical students recently authored a letter to university officials demanding disciplinary reviews for administrators who allegedly failed to act on warnings about Hadden’s behavior, as reported by the Columbia Spectator.
A key point of contention is the lack of accountability for university administrators. Unlike cases at other institutions, such as the University of Southern California, where leaders were forced to resign following similar scandals, no high-ranking officials at Columbia have been disciplined or lost their jobs. Dr. Mary D’Alton, who was copied on a letter authorizing Hadden’s return to work after initial concerns were raised, remains the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department. Dr. D’Alton did not respond to requests for comment.
The university’s handling of the situation has also drawn criticism for a lack of transparency. Columbia promised to release a report detailing the findings of its internal investigation, but the report remains unpublished as of March 8, 2026. In a recent statement, Columbia acknowledged “many questions” about the timing of the report’s release, stating it is expected “soon.” New York State Assemblymember Grace Lee blasted the delay, telling ProPublica, “To me, it’s just outrageous that we are here now in 2026 and we still have no report and no one has been held accountable.”
The Adult Survivors Act and Delayed Notifications
The investigation comes as survivors of Hadden’s abuse continue to seek justice and accountability. Many were emboldened by the passage of the New York State Adult Survivors Act in 2022, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits related to sexual assault. The law provided a window for survivors to file claims even decades after the abuse occurred. According to Columbia, almost 6,500 former patients were notified of the law and their right to pursue legal action in November 2023, just days before the extended window closed.
However, the timing of these notifications raised further questions about Columbia’s priorities. A recording of a closed-door town hall meeting at the medical school revealed that the decision to notify patients was delayed due to concerns about the potential cost of litigation, with Monica Lypson, the vice dean for medical education, stating it was a “Board of Trustee decision.” This revelation fueled accusations that Columbia prioritized its financial interests over the well-being of its patients.
Broader Implications and the Epstein Connection
The Hadden case has also drawn attention to Columbia’s broader connections to individuals implicated in high-profile abuse scandals. Recent revelations, as reported by the New York Times, have linked several Columbia affiliates to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Evelyn Yang, a survivor of Hadden’s abuse, pointed to these connections, stating, “Accountability is overdue, particularly in light of the Epstein files.” Yang was among at least eight patients assaulted by Hadden after he was allowed to return to work, and was seven months pregnant at the time of the assault.
The Attorney General’s office has significant authority over New York’s nonprofit organizations, including Columbia University. In recent years, the office has successfully taken action against other prominent institutions, forcing the Trump Foundation to shut down in 2019 and securing reforms from the National Rifle Association in 2024. This track record suggests that the Attorney General is prepared to hold Columbia accountable if the investigation reveals evidence of wrongdoing.
Key Takeaways
- New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating Columbia University’s handling of allegations against former OB-GYN Robert Hadden.
- Hadden was convicted in 2023 of sexually abusing patients, but accusations of misconduct date back to 2012.
- Critics argue that Columbia has not done enough to hold administrators accountable or provide transparency regarding its internal investigation.
- The case highlights the importance of institutional accountability in addressing sexual misconduct and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The deadline to submit a claim to Columbia’s survivors’ settlement fund remains open until April 15, 2026, providing a pathway for survivors who do not wish to pursue legal action. As the Attorney General’s investigation unfolds, survivors and advocates are calling for a comprehensive and independent review of Columbia’s policies and practices to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future. The next step in the investigation is currently unknown, but the Attorney General’s office is expected to provide updates as the inquiry progresses.
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