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http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publishe...d=652&topicId=13564&docId=l:337119947&start=5
SUNY'S BLACK EYE - OPTOMETRY PREXY OUT IN SEX-HARASS SCANDAL
KENNETH LOVETT, ZACH HABERMAN and DAVID ANDREATTA
The founder and president of the SUNY College of Optometry has been accused of making a spectacle of himself by sexually harassing a male subordinate, The Post has learned.
Alden Haffner, who has headed the Midtown college on and off since its inception in 1971, has been placed on administrative leave amid the eye-popping allegation.
The 77-year-old visionary vacated his post on Dec. 5 and a State University of New York spokesman said it is not clear whether he will return to campus after his leave is scheduled to end on Dec. 31.
SUNY spokesman David Henahan declined to comment on the reason for Haffner's departure, citing personnel privacy.
But a source close to the situation said Haffner was asked to step down because the university received a complaint that he sexually harassed a male subordinate. The source would not say whether the alleged victim was a student or a college employee.
Reached by phone at home, Haffner told The Post, "I'm sorry, I cannot talk to you. I'm not going to respond to your calls," before abruptly hanging up without even being asked about the accusation.
Within hours of the call, his lawyer, Peter Sherwood, contacted The Post and said he had been advised by SUNY to direct inquiries about Haffner to the university's public-relations office.
Haffner is widely considered one of the most respected and accomplished professionals in the field of optometry, and a survivor in a state university system that has changed dramatically over the last three decades.
His latest tenure at the helm of SUNY Optometry began in 1988. Five years ago, Haffner was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame.
According to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, of which Haffner is listed as an at-large member, he has authored more than 200 publications on topics ranging from public health to professional ethics.
SUNY's acting chancellor, John Ryan, appointed go-to troubleshooter John Clark as the officer in charge of the school in Haffner's absence. Clark previously served as interim president at SUNY-Brockport and Plattsburgh State University.
Most of the budding eye doctors at the 42nd Street campus said they were unaware that Haffner was no longer in charge, although the college convened a meeting of students last week to tell them of the change.
SAD SIGHT: Alden Haffner, founder of SUNY College of Optometry, is accused of harassing a male subordinate. [Robert Miller]
December 15, 2005
SUNY'S BLACK EYE - OPTOMETRY PREXY OUT IN SEX-HARASS SCANDAL
KENNETH LOVETT, ZACH HABERMAN and DAVID ANDREATTA
The founder and president of the SUNY College of Optometry has been accused of making a spectacle of himself by sexually harassing a male subordinate, The Post has learned.
Alden Haffner, who has headed the Midtown college on and off since its inception in 1971, has been placed on administrative leave amid the eye-popping allegation.
The 77-year-old visionary vacated his post on Dec. 5 and a State University of New York spokesman said it is not clear whether he will return to campus after his leave is scheduled to end on Dec. 31.
SUNY spokesman David Henahan declined to comment on the reason for Haffner's departure, citing personnel privacy.
But a source close to the situation said Haffner was asked to step down because the university received a complaint that he sexually harassed a male subordinate. The source would not say whether the alleged victim was a student or a college employee.
Reached by phone at home, Haffner told The Post, "I'm sorry, I cannot talk to you. I'm not going to respond to your calls," before abruptly hanging up without even being asked about the accusation.
Within hours of the call, his lawyer, Peter Sherwood, contacted The Post and said he had been advised by SUNY to direct inquiries about Haffner to the university's public-relations office.
Haffner is widely considered one of the most respected and accomplished professionals in the field of optometry, and a survivor in a state university system that has changed dramatically over the last three decades.
His latest tenure at the helm of SUNY Optometry began in 1988. Five years ago, Haffner was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame.
According to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, of which Haffner is listed as an at-large member, he has authored more than 200 publications on topics ranging from public health to professional ethics.
SUNY's acting chancellor, John Ryan, appointed go-to troubleshooter John Clark as the officer in charge of the school in Haffner's absence. Clark previously served as interim president at SUNY-Brockport and Plattsburgh State University.
Most of the budding eye doctors at the 42nd Street campus said they were unaware that Haffner was no longer in charge, although the college convened a meeting of students last week to tell them of the change.
SAD SIGHT: Alden Haffner, founder of SUNY College of Optometry, is accused of harassing a male subordinate. [Robert Miller]
December 15, 2005